Big Wood River below Magic Dam Open to Fish Salvage

The Big Wood Canal Co. has informed the Magic Valley regional office of Idaho Fish and Game that Magic Reservoir Dam will be shut off on September 5. Because of drought and poor runoff, demand for irrigation water has exceeded the reservoir capacity. It is anticipated that fish in the Big Wood River below the Richfield canal head gate and within the Richfield canal will be killed as the water level drops and conditions become unsuitable. For these reasons, Fish and Game opened the Big Wood River downstream from the Richfield Canal diversion, the Richfield Canal downstream to the Gooding County line, and on the Richfield and Lincoln Canal systems for fish salvage. Licensed anglers may take the fish by any method except firearms, explosives, chemicals or electric current, effective September 5 through December 1, 2008. For information call 208-324-4359.