The Idaho Department of Fish Game plans public meetings across the Magic Valley Region over the next few weeks to discuss potential fishing rule changes.
The meetings are part of the process for setting the 2011-2012 fishing seasons and rules. Idaho Fish and Game will host three meetings from 5:30 pm to 8 pm:
- Tuesday, April 20 - Old Court House - 3rd floor, 206 1st Avenue South, Hailey.
- Wednesday, April 21 - Burley City Hall, 1401 Overland Ave., Burley.
Thursday, April 22 - Magic Valley Regional Office, 319 South 417 East, Highway Business Park, 2.5 miles north of the Flying J, Jerome.
Among the ideas that will be presented to the public is a draft version of a new, easier to use regulations format, with the goal of simplification.
"The biggest change, aside from the format itself, will be moving from the traditional rivers and streams general season of May to November to a new season of open all year using exceptions to protect sensitive fisheries," said Doug Megargle, regional fisheries manager.
After a first round of meetings to hear what the public has to say - generally referred to as scoping - Fish and Game will develop a set of proposals to present to the Idaho Fish and Game Commission. The commission will review the proposals and direct Fish and Game to seek comments on specific potential rule changes for final consideration in the fall.
"The scoping phase is a when we want to hear from anglers about angling issues and desired management changes, as well as share Fish and Game proposed changes," Megargle said. "The scoping process happens year-round, but we try to make it easy for folks to come talk to us at a public meeting during a rule change year."
The public is encouraged to attend a meeting and make comments about potential proposals or other fishing related topics. Comments can also be sent via e-mail to
MVFishery@idfg.idaho.gov or by phone at 208-324-4359. Deadline for comments is 5 p.m. April 26.
Individuals with disabilities may request meeting accommodations by contacting Doug Megargle at the Idaho Department of Fish and Game at 208-324-4359 or through the Idaho Relay Service at 1-800-377-3529 (TDD).
