Salvage Order Issued for Big Wood, Richfield Canal

Idaho Fish and Game has issued a salvage order for the Richfield Canal and the Big Wood River downstream from the Richfield Canal headgate. The Magic Reservoir Dam was shut off June 27. Because of drought and poor runoff, demand for irrigation water has exceeded the reservoir capacity. Officials anticipate the fish in the Big Wood River below the Richfield Canal headgate and within the Richfield Canal will be killed as the water level drops. Therefore, effective July 1, bag, possession and size limits will be removed on Big Wood River downstream from the Richfield Canal Diversion, the Richfield Canal downstream to the Gooding County line and in the Richfield and Lincoln Canal systems. Fish may be taken by any method except firearms, explosives, chemicals or electric current from July 1 through November 1. A valid Idaho fishing license is required to salvage fish.