Fish & Game Proposes Changes to Fishing Rules, 2002-03

The Idaho Department of Fish & Game (Department) will hold two open houses to take public comments on proposed changes to fishing rules for 2002 and 2003. These will be held at the Fish & Game office in Jerome from 1 to 9 p.m. on Monday, August 27 and the Hailey Courthouse from 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, August 28. Significant statewide changes include the creation of a Family Fishing Water category. Waters in this category would be open year round, have a general bag limit for trout and bass but no limits on other species. There would not be a minimum size limit on bass. Regional waters being proposed include Little Camas, Magic, Little Wood, Fish Creek, Roseworth and Blair Trail Reservoirs, Rock Creek below the Highline Canal, Camas Ponds at Fairfield, Featherville dredge ponds and Gaver's Lagoon at Hayspur Hatchery. In an effort to simplify rules the Department proposes increasing the general bass and walleye limit to six fish, which is the same as trout. Minimum size limits would be kept for bass except on Family Fishing Waters. A general limit of 25 fish for brook trout and mountain whitefish is also being proposed. This will reduce the number of different limits the public needs to remember. Another statewide change would be to increase the minimum size from 30 to 36 inches for Tiger Muskie to increase the trophy quality of these fisheries. Magic Valley Region proposals include the following:

1. Place all tributaries of Silver Creek in Blaine County under wild trout rules. This would reduce the trout limit from six to two fish.
2. Increase the walleye limit on Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir from five to 15 fish to take advantage of the large population of smaller walleye.
3. Establish a permanent boundary where the Big Wood River meets Magic Reservoir instead of following a fluctuating water level. The proposed boundary would be the first point east of Hot Springs Landing. This would reduce confusion for anglers in the winter and spring when the river is closed and the reservoir is open. It would also protect spawning rainbow trout in the spring.
4. Remove the year round exception on Clover Creek, east of King Hill. Clover Creek would then revert to a stream season, closing in December and opening on Memorial Day weekend. This would help protect spawning bass and simplify rules.
5. Establish a limit of two trout on the new small ponds below the rebuilt Clear Lakes Grade.

If you cannot attend an open house and would like to comment, or need more information on these proposals, please contact Regional Fishery Manager Fred Partridge at 208-324-4359, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or e-mail at fpartrid@idfg.state.id.us, or mail to P.O. Box 428, Jerome, ID 83338.