Ask the Conservation Officer (CO)

by Gary Hompland, Regional Conservation Officer Question: "Can I keep crawfish alive in my live well on my boat while I transport them home?" Answer: All fish (including crawfish) you catch and keep must be killed and may not be transported alive in a cooler or boat live well after you leave the water. Steelhead and Salmon may not be kept alive and must be killed immediately. The law is not intended to prevent the harvest and use of crawfish, it is designed to prevent unlawful transport and release of undesirable species between lakes, reservoirs, and streams. Many of Idaho's waters have been subject to this "Johnny Appleseed" approach to unlawful fish stocking by the public. As a result, some populations of trout and warm water species such as bass, yellow perch, catfish, walleye and blue gill have been introduced and grown in opposition to Department management objectives. Some of these fish may have been detrimental to native or other sport fishery species. I have suggested for many anglers who intend to catch crawfish to put them directly on ice in their coolers for the ride home. On ice, the flesh of crawfish and other fish will keep well but not be technically kept alive. Crawfish intended to be used as bait can be captured and used alive where allowed but may not be transported alive to other waters and used elsewhere; they must remain in the waters they originate. Again; the intent is to prevent unlawful introductions. Additionally, this rule prevents accidental introductions of parasites, diseases and microscopic crustaceans, such as zebra mussel that may be living with or associated with the crawfish. Reference Idaho Code 36-901, 36-1401(b) IDAPA 13.01.11101 and 13.01.11105. If you have any further questions you may call the Magic Valley Regional Office of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game at (208)324-4350 or e-mail us at the Fish and Game web site at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov.