Idaho's 2004-2005 Fishing Rules Available

LEWISTON - Idaho anglers will find a number of changes to the new 2004-2005 fishing regulation booklets at all Idaho Fish and Game(IDFG) offices and license vendors statewide. Anglers fishing the North Fork of the Clearwater River will be allowed to keep two rainbow trout or cutbow trout, a cross between cutthroat and rainbows, that are less than 14-inches. However, as in past years, cutthroat trout still have to be at least 14-inches to keep. The previous regulations allowed anglers to keep up to two trout per day as long as they were at least 14-inches long. The two-trout-per-day limit remains but the length limit has been changed. The new booklet contains color illustrations to help identify Idaho's game fish species and an index of waters with exceptions to general fishing rules. Anglers at Elk Creek Reservoir near Elk River can keep six trout, including brook trout. In addition, Spring Valley Reservoir near Troy, ID is now classified as a family fishing and the length limit on bass was removed. Salmon and steelhead anglers may now use two rods, instead of one, although a two-pole permit is required. Those who use two poles can only catch one limit of fish per day. This year, catch-and-release steelhead fishing on the Clearwater River will open July 1 instead of August 1. Anglers with Idaho licenses will be able to fish the mouth of the Clearwater River upstream to Memorial Bridge on a catch-and-keep basis beginning Aug. 1. The rule change, which allows a month of additional fishing, does not include the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater rivers, where the opening of catch-and-keep fishing for hatchery steelhead remains Sept. 1. IDFG encourages anglers to review the regulations and purchase a 2004-2005 fishing license before casting a line. Anglers with specific questions can also contact IDFG at 799-5010 or visit IDFG's website at http://www2.state.id.us/fishgame.