Idaho Fish and Game is seeking public comments on a new set of proposed fishing rules for 2019, and a new draft of its six-year, statewide Fisheries Management Plan.
Idaho fishing seasons and rules are approved by the Idaho Fish and Game Commission every three years, and the commission is scheduled to set new rules in November. All public comments must be received by Oct. 7.
Anglers can provide their opinions about the proposed changes by completing online surveys (below), submitting written comments by email or mail, or by attending regional open houses.
Fish and Game will consider all comments before developing final recommendations for the commissioners in November.
Fish and Game has proposed changes based on new information from biologists, public input, and angler opinion surveys done over the last year. Proposed rule changes are described in each survey, which are broken down by Fish and Game regions (just like the fishing regulations book).
The department is also asking for input from anglers and the public regarding the newly updated draft of the Fisheries Management Plan. This plan will last from 2019 to 2024 and guides statewide fisheries management priorities, as well as sport fishing and conservation goals.
Anglers can view and comment on the proposed fishing rule changes using this online survey:
Read and comment on the Proposed Fishing Rules
Anglers can read a copy and provide comments for the draft 2019-2024 Fisheries Management Plan.
In addition to the website survey, anglers may provide their comments by e-mail to: idfginfo@idfg.idaho.gov; or by mail to 2016-2018 Fish Season and Rule Comments, c/o Idaho Fish and Game, P.O. Box 25, Boise ID 83707.
For those who prefer to speak directly with a biologist, Fish and Game will also host open public meetings across the state. Everyone is welcome to stop by anytime during the specified time to share their thoughts with Fish and Game staff held at the following locations and times:
Coeur d’ Alene – September 19, 9: 00 am – 4:00 pm.
Panhandle Regional Fish and Game Office
2885 W. Kathleen Ave.
Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815
Lewiston – September 27, 9: 00 am – 4:00 pm.
Clearwater Region Fish and Game Office
3316 16th Street
Lewiston ID 83501
McCall – September 20, 10: 00 am – 7:00 pm.
McCall Region Fish and Game Office
555 Deinhard Lane
McCall, ID 83638
Nampa – September 19, 3: 00 pm – 8:00 pm.
Fisheries Research Office
1414 E. Locust Ln
Nampa ID 83686
Joe Kozfkay (Regional Fisheries Manager) will give a presentation on rules proposals and changes to the Fisheries Management Plan, followed by an open discussion to accept comments.
Hailey – September 19, 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm.
Community Campus: Minnie Moore Room
1050 Fox Acres Rd
Hailey ID 8333
Comments for the Magic Valley Region can also be provided by email to:
Jerome – September 20, 12: 00 pm – 7:00 pm.
Magic Valley Regional Fish and Game Office
324 S. 417 East
Suite #1
Jerome, Idaho 83338
Comments for the Magic Valley Region can also be provided by email to: MVFishery@idfg.idaho.gov
Pocatello – September 18, 4 pm -7 pm
Southeast Region Fish and Game Office
1345 Barton Road
Pocatello ID 83204
Soda Springs – September 19, 6 pm -9 pm
Caribou County Fire Station
655 East. 2nd South, Soda Springs, ID 83276
Idaho Falls – September 19, 9: 00 am – 8:00 pm
Upper Snake Region Fish and Game Office
4279 Commerce Circle
Idaho Falls ID, 83401
Salmon – September 19, 9: 00 am – 7:00 pm
Salmon Region Fish and Game Office
99 Hwy 93 North
Salmon, ID 83467
Copies of the proposed rule changes and draft Fisheries Management Plan are also available upon request at all Idaho Fish and Game regional offices and at Fish and Game headquarters in Boise. Angler opinions are crucial in helping Idaho Fish and Game manage fisheries statewide and fisheries biologists look forward to hearing from you.