Brown trout released in Billingsley Creek

JEROME - The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is releasing 1,800, 12-inch brown trout this month into Billingsley Creek, between Vader Grade and downstream to the Billingsley Creek Wildlife Management Area. Biologists believe Utah chubs in the system will provide a good food source for brown trout, and produce a strong fishery for anglers. Earlier stocking of rainbow trout in the stream did not produce desired angler catch rates to meet management goals. This is the second year for releasing brown trout in the system. In 2003, approximately 9,000 fingerlings (4-inches) and 6,500 catchable (8-inches) brown trout were released throughout Billingsley Creek. This summer, the Fish and Game will continue doing creel surveys to determine if the re-instated brown trout stocking program has improved fishing. The brown trout released, were raised in a corporative effort at the University of Idaho Hatchery, with feed being provided by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. Fishing on Billingsley Creek opens on May 29. Regulations include; Fly fishing only from Vader Grade and Tupper Grade, a six fish limit; artificial flies and lures from the Tupper Grade and downstream to the old Railroad Grade, a two trout limit none under 20-inches; from the Old Railroad Grade downstream is managed under general fishing rules - bait, flies and lures with a six fish limit.