Meetings Set in Pocatello on Fishing Rule Changes

In preparation for setting the 2011-2012 fishing seasons and rules, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game has scheduled two public meeting opportunities in southeast Idaho for the purpose of gathering public input. The public is invited to attend an open house from 5 to 8 p.m. September 6 at the Fish and Game regional office, 1345 Barton Road, Pocatello. A public meeting will start at 7 p.m. September 7 at the American Falls High School Auditorium in American Falls. In addition, anglers may complete an online questionaire regarding the proposed changes by visiting Fish and Game's Web site at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/fishSurvey/public/. Or, they may pick up copies of the questionaire at Fish and Game's southeast regional office in Pocatello. A sample of rules changes that affect southeast region include:

• Establish a winter catch-and-release fishing season on the upper Portneuf River from East Main Street Bridge in Lava Hot Springs upriver to the dam on Chesterfield Reservoir. The proposed rule would provide a fishing opportunity from December 1 through the Friday before Memorial Day weekend. No bait allowed, barbless hooks required. Currently, the upper Portneuf River is open to angling only from Memorial Day weekend through November 30. This proposal would also consolidate several different regulations into one Upper Portneuf rule.
• Establish a winter catch-and-release season on the Snake River below American Falls Reservoir Dam. This would be a no harvest season for all species of fish; catch-and-release; no bait allowed; barbless hooks required. A harvest season would open as usual on Memorial Day Weekend, but close earlier on September 16. Providing a winter catch-and-release fishing season will not affect the quality of the summer harvest season or local fish populations.

For a complete list of the proposed changes for this region as well as for other areas of the state, visit Fish and Game's Web site or contact the Fish and Game office in Pocatello at 208-232-4703. Individuals with disabilities may request meeting accommodations by contacting David Teuscher at the Fish and Game office in Pocatello or through the Idaho Relay Service at 1-800-377-3529 (TDD).