Fish Rules Open House Set in Magic Valley

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game will host an open house for anglers to consider and discuss nonbiological fishing rule changes. It's all part of the rule setting process for the 2013-2014 fishing rules. The open house will be from 1 to 7 p.m. April 13, at the Fish and Game Magic Valley Region Office, 324 South 417 East, Jerome, about 2.5 miles north of the Flying J on Highway 93. Nonbiological fishing rules apply to all fishing except seasons, bag limits and special regulations, which are considered biological rules. "We are not scoping biological rule change recommendations this year but will do so again in 2012," said Doug Megargle, Magic Valley regional fishery manager. "The scoping phase is a when we get to hear from anglers about their ideas and recommendations as well as share IDFG proposed changes. Most of the IDFG proposed changes are clarifications in existing rules or efforts to align existing codes more closely with the new fishing regulations." Fish and Game will present the Idaho Fish and Game Commission with recommended changes at which point the commission will direct the Department to take approved recommendations back out to the public for further comments this summer. Non-biological fishing rule changes require commission recommendations and ultimately legislative approval before the rule change is official. 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 email to MVFishery@idfg.idaho.gov or by phone at 208-324-4359. Deadline for comments is 5 p.m. April 26, 2010. Individuals with disabilities may request meeting accommodations by contacting Doug Megargle at the Idaho Department of Fish & Game at 208-324-4359 or through the Idaho Relay Service at 1-800-377-3529 (TDD).