Drought Claims Two Fisheries Already

Drought has forced the salvage of fish in two popular southern Idaho reservoirs in what can be expected to be a summer of lost fisheries. The drought has claimed the waters of Chesterfield and Hawkins Reservoirs. Both reservoirs are under official salvage order. Anglers can take all the fish they can catch from both waters. Anglers must have a valid Idaho fishing license. Fish may be taken by any method of take except firearms, explosives, chemicals or electric current. All size and limits are suspended. The Portneuf-Marsh Valley Irrigation Company notified Fish and Game that Chesterfield Reservoir in Caribou County will be drained by the end of July. All the stored water in the reservoir will be needed for irrigation and fish will die as water levels become unsuitable. The Marsh-Center Irrigation Company notified Fish and Game that Hawkins Reservoir in south Bannock County will be drained. Drought and a need to repair the gate valve outlet structure require emptying the reservoir. It is anticipated that Hawkins Reservoir will be drained by the end of July. Anglers are encouraged to fish now before water conditions deteriorate. Average or below average snowpacks across southern Idaho last winter did not provide enough runoff waters to make up for the effects of last summer's water shortage.