F&G to Host Panhandle Fishing Rules/Management Meetings

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game has scheduled meetings to present information and gather public comment on fishing rules for 2013-2014, and to gather comments on the Idaho Fisheries Management Plan for 2013-2018. Meetings are scheduled for the following dates and locations: Tuesday, March 13: Sandpoint, Panhandle Health (322 Marion St.) Thursday, March 15: Priest River, Senior Center (339 Jackson Ave.) Thursday, March 22: Coeur d'Alene, IDFG Regional Office (2885 W. Kathleen) All meetings will run from 7-9 p.m. Anglers unable to attend the meeting but still interested in providing input can complete an opinion survey found at: https://fishandgame.idaho.gov/ifwis/portal/r1fish, or contact Jim Fredericks, regional fishery manger, at jim.fredericks@idfg.idaho.gov or 208-769-1414. Developing new rules and a new management plan concurrently will give anglers the opportunity to provide input at the "big picture" policy level, as well as the more familiar rules and regulations level. Topics to be discussed with the upcoming management plan and rules are management direction on Priest Lake, a return to trophy management of rainbow trout and a limited kokanee fishery on Lake Pend Oreille, and cutthroat trout rule options in the Coeur d'Alene drainage. Anglers interested in the rules and management direction of Panhandle fisheries are encouraged to attend and participate in the discussion. Individuals with disabilities may request meeting accommodations by contacting Jim Fredericks at the number above; or, through the Idaho Relay Service at 1 800 377 2529 (TDD).