May 25 Marks Opening Day Of General Fishing Season

LEWISTON - - With Saturday of Memorial Day weekend marking the open day of fishing season on rivers and streams throughout the state, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game expects fishing to be good but urges anglers to be cautious of high water levels. "Flows in many streams are high, but many of them are fishable if caution is used," said Robert Hand, fisheries biologist with IDFG in Lewiston. "Anglers that wade or use a watercraft are encouraged to wear a life jacket, or have it easy accessible." Fishing is also expected to be good at most area reservoirs, which provide great, easy to reach destinations. Spring Valley, Moose Creek, Elk Creek reservoirs, plus Waha and Winchester lakes are all a short drive from Lewiston and have recently received generous stockings of hatchery rainbow trout. In addition, new this year, IDFG designated seven area waters as Family Fishing Waters where the regulations are simple and limits are common. These waters include Soldiers Meadows Reservoir, Cambell's Pond, Tolo Lake, Palouse River, Red River Pond, Fenn Pond and Hodoo Lake Mann Lake is also a great fishing destination for those anglers with kids or who are looking to fill the freezer. Bluegill and crappie are very plentiful and easy to catch, plus there's no daily limit. A jig tipped with worm under a bobber will work well. IDFG urges anglers to review the fishing regulations before casting a line. Regulations are free and available at all license vendors and Fish and Game offices.