Fisheries scoping meeting

JEROME - Removing the length limit on trout at Baker Lake, year round fishing on the Little Wood River below Magic Reservoir and clarifying the Lime Creek boundaries are just a few of the changes the Idaho Department of Fish and Game is seeking comment on this Friday, May 30, at the KMVT building from 7 to 9 p.m. "Our goal with this meeting is to inform anglers on the possible changes and to get their input on how we could manage the area waters better," said Doug Megargle, Fish and Game Regional Fisheries Manager. "We want to hear from the angling public and see what changes they would like us to make." Along with the Magic Valley Regional changes, anglers will also have the opportunity to comment on how the Department can better manage the statewide fisheries. Some of the statewide proposals include:

• Redefining the definition of a "fishing tournament" and when a group needs a permit and should fishing tournaments that make profits be obligated to give back to the resource from which they made their profit - if so, in what form?
• Amend the fish species allowed for harvest by commercial fishing permit holders.
• Does the state need to have tighter control on the type of fishing tackle and rigging that can be used for sturgeon fishing?

Individuals not able to attend, but wishing to comment may do so via E-mail at dmegargle@idfg.state.id.us or by regular mail to IDFG, 868 East Main Street in Jerome, Idaho 83338. The deadline to submit comments to IDFG is June 15.