Changes Made in 2006-2007 Fish Rules

A few significant changes were made as final 2006-2007 Idaho fishing rules were adopted. The Idaho Fish and Game Commission approved department recommendations when it met in Jerome November 16-18. The changes are reflected in the new fishing brochure. The new rules will be available online at www.fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/fish on December 27, and will be available in print at vendors during the first week in January. Spring steelhead fishing opens January 1. Spring season limits are three per day, nine in possession and 20 per season. A 2006 fishing license and a steelhead permit are required. Both are now available. An earlier statewide proposal to drop fall steelhead limits to two per day, six in possession and 20 per season will, in the final rules, apply only from October 15 to December 31 on the Clearwater River open to steelhead fishing. All other steelhead waters will retain the three, nine and 20 limits. The alteration does not affect hatchery operations but is intended to relieve conflict between anglers on the Clearwater. Steelhead fishing on the lower Salmon River was extended for an additional month in the spring. The season will be open from the mouth to Lake Creek Bridge, upstream from Riggins, until April 30. That area was previously closed on March 31. Henrys Lake fishing season and fishing hours have been extended to allow anglers greater opportunity on this world- famous fishing lake. Daily fishing hours were deleted, so anglers won't have to leave the lake at 9 p.m. each evening, and the season was extended to the end of November from October 31 for those hardy folks who want to fish before winter really sets in. In an effort to provide additional protection to the native cutthroat trout in the Bear and Teton Rivers, those streams now have catch-and-release rules for cutthroat trout. Other hunting and fishing regulations, seasons and limits also are available on the agency's website at www.fishandgame.idaho.gov.