Coeur d'Alene Kokanee Closure Proposed

Record low numbers of kokanee in Coeur d'Alene Lake have prompted Idaho Fish and Game officials to contemplate options for protecting the fishery. Summer population estimates indicated only 23,200 mature kokanee in the lake and another 66,700 age-2 fish that would be next year's spawners. Normally kokanee number several hundred thousand mature fish and over a million age-2 fish during the July trawl estimate. Two options are being considered: 1. An immediate closure of the kokanee fishery lake-wide. 2. A north end closure from Arrow Point north with a 6 kokanee limit in the rest of the lake. IDFG wants to know anglers' thoughts on these options. Because of the low numbers of kokanee, and because fall is a time when kokanee are especially vulnerable to fishing pressure, IDFG proposes to make a decision early next week. Anglers are asked to call the IDFG office (769-1414), or send an email to: nhorner@idfg.idaho.gov. before Monday if they wish to express an opinion. Three factors have lead to the record low numbers of kokanee in Coeur d'Alene Lake. Initially, record floods back in 1996-1997 flushed many fish out of the lake. Reduced numbers of kokanee resulted in a dramatic increase in size from 10-11 inches to 14- 16-plus inches. Increased kokanee size attracted more kokanee anglers and harvest increased. Coeur d'Alene Lake was the number one fishery in the state in 2003 largely due to the kokanee fishery. Chinook numbers have also increased in recent years. From 1998 to 2001 the average number of wild and hatchery chinook combined was about 29,000 fish per year. From 2002 to 2006 the number of chinook increased to 69,000 per year. Predation on young kokanee increased. If the changes are made, Coeur d'Alene kokanee should bounce back quickly. Numbers of kokanee fry and age-1 fish have been near normal levels.