Ask the Conservation Officer (CO)

by Gary Hompland, Regional Conservation Officer Question: "I know some guys that were cited for over-limits of kokanee salmon on the South Fork Boise River. Isn't the kokanee limit 25?" Answer: The kokanee limit on Anderson Ranch Reservoir is 25 per day, 50 in possession. However; in the South Fork Boise River the kokanee daily bag and possession limit is reduced to only 6 fish of any size. As you know kokanee salmon run up the South Fork Boise River in the fall to spawn. In their brilliant red fall spawning colors they are vulnerable to disturbance and over harvest by anglers. To protect future fishing opportunities in Anderson Ranch Reservoir, fishing limits for spawning kokanee have been reduced. Past practices of snagging spawning kokanee have been outlawed now for many years. Licensed anglers are allowed to fish for and catch fall kokanee using conventional fishing gear. Kokanee can be enticed to bite spinners, some baits, and flashy lures. For full details of this regulation consult a current fishing regulations brochure and the Magic Valley Region exceptions. 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