Fish & Game Salvages Fish From Richfield Canal

On July 2, fisheries personnel, staff, conservation officers, hatchery workers and volunteers from Magic Valley Flyfishers salvaged fish out of the Richfield Canal after water was shut off from Magic Reservoir the day before. According to Fishery Manager Fred Partridge, the daylong effort resulted in collecting approximately 700 pounds of fish, or 3,000 fish total. Ninety-eight percent of the catch was rainbow trout. The fish were transported to the Hagerman Valley and released into the Snake River. Fish were collected using an electro-shocking device. A portable generator provides the electricity while two workers stick positively charged probes into the water. The electrical current draws fish to the probe and temporarily stuns them. The netters stand by ready to scoop up fish as fast as they can. The fish were then loaded into tanker trucks for transport. Ordinarily, water is not shut off from Magic Reservoir until into September. Salvage operations are not necessary then as water temperatures are lower and there is usually enough seepage from the dam to provide a continual flow through the canal system. Fish are able to overwinter and survive. With the early shutoff of Magic water this summer, and the good chance there will be no water in the canal by the end of summer, the Department decided to salvage what they could and leave the rest for the general public. Public fish salvage is still open on both the Big Wood River downstream from Magic Dam and on the Richfield Canal system down to the Gooding County line. There are still many fish left in the system that will die as water levels drop and temperatures increase. Fish may be taken by dip net, seine, rod and reel (fishing or snagging) or other devices, except firearms, chemicals, explosives and electricity. A valid fishing license is also required for fish salvage.