Boise River Steelhead Stocking Complete

The release of steelhead in the Boise on Tuesday, November 22, will be the last for 2011. The trapping rate at the Oxbow Dam has slowed, and the post Thanksgiving release has been cancelled. Idaho Fish and Game already has released about 1,000 steelhead in the Boise River from Glenwood Bridge to Barber Park. The river is open for steelhead harvest from its mouth upstream to Barber Dam. Besides a 2011 fishing license, anglers hoping to tangle with one of the hatchery steelhead need a $12.75 steelhead permit. Though required in other steelhead waters, barbless hooks are not required for Boise River steelhead angling. All steelhead stocked in the Boise River will lack an adipose fin - the small fin normally found immediately behind the dorsal fin. Boise River anglers catching a rainbow trout longer than 20 inches that lacks an adipose fin should consider the fish a steelhead. Any steelhead caught by an angler not holding a steelhead permit must immediately be returned to the water. Steelhead limits on the Boise River are three fish per day and nine in possession. The statewide limit is 20 for the fall season. For more information on steelhead fishing in Idaho, consult the 2011-2012 fishing rules and seasons brochure, available at all license vendors, Fish and Game offices and online at: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/fish/rules/steelhead.pdf.