Fishing Season Begins May 28

Anglers are gearing up for the beginning of Idaho's general fishing season which opens Saturday, May 28. Most lakes, reservoirs, and larger rivers are open to fishing year round in Idaho, but some smaller lakes and most streams are open from the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through November 30. Exceptions to general seasons and rules apply to many waters in Idaho, so anglers should check the fishing rules brochure for the specific water they intend to fish. Fishing rules brochures are available wherever licenses are sold and on the Internet at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov./fish/rules/home.cfm Anglers who buy a fishing license now will take advantage of the current prices of $23.50 for an adult resident license and $12.50 for a junior resident license. Fees will go up on July 1, the beginning of the new fiscal year. Many streams are likely to be lower than normal this spring. While that may make them more fishable early in the season, many are likely to dry up later in the season. Hatchery managers from the Idaho Department of Fish and Game are planning to focus stocking efforts in lakes and streams with adequate water throughout the fishing season. This will mean more fish than average for places like Horsethief, Salmon Falls Creek, and Cascade Reservoirs. However, smaller reservoirs like Magic, Mountain Home, Little Camas, Mormon and Winder will receive fewer fish since they are likely to dry up during the irrigation season.