Fish Limits Suspended at McCall's Fish Lake

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game has suspended fish bag, possession, and size limits at Fish Lake effective October 9, 2008 through November 15, 2008. Anglers with a valid fishing license are encouraged to catch as many fish from the lake as they can eat. As part of the limit suspension, licensed anglers may use rod and reel, handheld landing nets and legal minnow seines to collect fish which must be killed prior to transport from the lake. All other collection methods are prohibited. Located on Fish Lake Road between McCall and New Meadows, Fish Lake is owned and managed by Fish and Game. Hancock Dam impounds the lake and several dam-related issues have resulted in the decision to drain the lake. "The dam is in need of some repairs and the drain at the base of the dam must also be replaced," Fish and Game fisheries manager Dale Allen said. "These repairs necessitate that the lake being drained completely." Anglers with an eye on salvaging fish from the lake should plan to move quickly. After the drain valve is opened on October 9, Allen expects the small lake to be completely drained in 10 days or less. "There are currently good numbers of rainbow trout in Fish Lake," Allen said. "Those that are not caught by anglers will pass through the dam or be stranded. Obviously, we'd like to see anglers take these fish home, rather than have them go to waste." Repairs to Hancock Dam should be completed this fall, allowing the lake to refill during spring runoff in 2009, at which time Fish Lake will be restocked with rainbow trout. For more information, contact Dale Allen at the Fish and Game McCall office, 634-8137.