Drought Impacts Regional Reservoirs

As had been predicted, the drought has impacted southern Idaho waters once again. Water levels are low and getting lower in some regional reservoirs, and according to irrigation district personnel, will most likely be drained by mid to late summer. Although some water still remains in these reservoirs, water conditions are such that fish will most likely die as water levels drop. Therefore, the Idaho Fish and Game Commission (Commission) has authorized the removal of all fish bag, possession and size limits on some of the same waters that were affected last year. Effective Wednesday, July 17, all bag and possession limits and size restrictions on all species are removed from the following waters: Mormon Reservoir in Camas County, Roseworth (Cedar Creek) Reservoir in Twin Falls County, Thorn Creek Reservoir in Lincoln County, Magic Reservoir and Fish Creek Reservoir in Blaine County. Normal fishing methods (rod and reel) are required on these waters, but anglers may take as many fish as they can catch. A valid Idaho fishing license is required to take fish from these waters. Illegal methods of take include explosives, chemicals, electricity, and firearms. This removal of limits will be in effect through November 30, 2002. The Big Wood Canal Company has advised the Department of Fish & Game that Magic Reservoir Dam will be shut off on July 17. It is anticipated that fish in the Big Wood River below the dam and in the Richfield Canal (and associated feeder canals) will die as water levels drop and water temperatures increase. Therefore the Commission has authorized a full salvage operation in those waters. Under those conditions, people may take as many fish as they can catch, using any means possible, except explosives, chemicals, electricity and firearms. The use of seines, dip nets, buckets, etc. is permitted under this salvage order. A valid Idaho fishing license is required to participate in this salvage. This order is in effect on the Big Wood River below Magic Dam, the Richfield Canal to the Gooding County line and on the Richfield and Lincoln County canal systems from July 17 through November 30, 2002. Call the Magic Valley Regional office in Jerome at 324-4359, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for questions.