Fish Rules Will Change Soon On Regional Reservoirs And Streams

The limits on trout and other fish species in many Magic Valley Regional waters will go back to the standard bag and possession limits, with species and size restrictions in force, effective December 1, 2001. Back in May and June, the water was so low in many reservoirs that fish managers decided to allow anglers to salvage fish that might otherwise die. Full salvage operations allowing nets, seines, buckets, snagging, etc, were allowed on Little Camas Reservoir and in the Richfield Canal. On other reservoirs with limits removed, such as Magic, Roseworth, and Thorn Creek, anglers could take fish only with standard rod and reel fishing gear. Starting Saturday, December 1 all general limits on all Magic Valley waters will be back in full effect. If there are questions as to what limits and special restrictions were before the emergency orders took effect, refer to the 2000 - 2001 Fishing Seasons and Rules book, available at all Fish and Game license vendors. The decision to allow anglers to take extra fish was twofold. As water levels drop, water temperatures rise and oxygen levels decrease causing stress and eventually death. In anticipating low water levels through the winter, the remaining populations of fish would have to be reduced to match the decreased habitat. Letting fishermen take these excess fish was the most logical and cost efficient method of accomplishing this. Unless otherwise noted in the fishing rules and regulations exceptions for our region (pp. 44 - 48), lakes, ponds and reservoirs are open all year. Regardless of water levels starting December 1, general bag and possession limits and other restrictions once again apply to all regional waters. Of course, these rules carry over to the ice fishing season as well. During the ice fishing season anglers may fish through up to five holes cut in the ice, and each line may have up to five hooks. Possession of a two-pole license validation does not however, allow the angler to fish through 10 holes! As a safety consideration, only holes 10 inches or less in diameter may be cut through the ice. The general fishing season in rivers, streams and creeks runs through November 30, again, unless otherwise noted in the regulations. There are some waters that have an extended winter fishing season. Certain stretches of both the Big Wood River and Silver Creek in Blaine County open December 1; refer to the current regulations for exact segments. Trout fishing is catch and release only, but standard limits apply to other species, such as whitefish. Be sure to check the 2002 - 2003 fishing regulations when they come out to determine the closing date for these fisheries.