Fish Salvage Policy in Irrigation Canals

Magic Valley Region canal companies recently announced they would be shut off and out of water in mid-October. Whenever irrigation canals are dewatered, they are opened for public fish salvage. Anyone taking fish must have a valid Idaho fishing license and may only use certain techniques for salvage. Legal methods include rod and reel, snagging, spearing, archery, dip nets, seines, and bare hands. It is illegal to use electricity, toxic chemicals, explosives or firearms. There are no bag or possession limits, size or species restrictions under salvage conditions. Many irrigation canals run through private property, and salvagers must have landowner permission to enter. For more information, contact the Magic Valley Region Fish and Game office in Jerome at 324-4359, or your local irrigation district office.