Comment on Fishing Rules: Magic Valley

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game has scheduled an open house to gather public comments on proposed changes in the fishing rules for 2008-2009. The meeting is set for 6 to 8 p.m. September 11, in rooms 301-302 at the Community Campus, 1050 Fox Acres Road in Hailey, Idaho. The meeting will provide the public an opportunity to comment on proposed statewide and Magic Valley regional fishing rules changes. Statewide proposals include changes in the legal sizes of crayfish traps, seines, and cast nets; changes in sturgeon fishing equipment requirements, and new restrictions on the use of live bait. The proposed regulations include a change in the general bass limit north of the Salmon River to six bass any size and creates a year-round season. Magic Valley regional proposals include proposed changes for Silver Creek and Lime Creek. The Silver Creek proposals include establishing a six fish daily bag limit for brown trout and catch-and-release rules for rainbow trout throughout the entire Silver Creek drainage, including all tributaries, and eliminating the boat restrictions, including the float tube only rules. All tackle and fishing method exceptions will remain. The proposals also would eliminate the two-fish daily trout bag limit on Lime Creek. The stream would revert to general regulations allowing a six-fish daily trout bag limit. Directions to the meeting can be found after Thursday at: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/fish/reports/magic_valley.cfm. Those unable to attend the meeting can provide comments on the internet, email (MVFishery@idfg.idaho.gov), phone (208-324-4359) or stop in at any regional office. Individuals with disabilities may request meeting accommodations by contacting the Idaho Department of Fish and Game directly at 208-324-4359 or through the Idaho Relay Service at 1-800-377-2529 (TDD).