Sixmile Creek and Gunnel Reservoir to Open for Fish Salvage

JEROME - Sixmile Creek and Gunnel Reservoir are scheduled for restoration toward the end of September. This restoration effort is part of the management plan for conservation of Yellowstone cutthroat trout in Idaho, approved by the Idaho Fish and Game Commission. The intent of the restoration is the reintroduction of pure Yellowstone cutthroat trout into areas they once existed. "Expanding the number of pure Yellowstone cutthroat trout populations can be compared to taking efforts to make sure we don't have all our eggs in one basket," said Doug Megargle, regional fisheries manager. "We have limited populations of pure Yellowstone cutthroat trout in the Magic Valley and to lose one population would be a serious loss." Restoration includes the complete removal of the existing hybrid fish population and the reintroduction of pure Yellowstone cutthroat trout. No trout will survive the removal process. It is the Fish and Game's intent to allow the public to harvest these fisheries before the eradication. For these reasons, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game opened these areas to salvage of fish. "We would rather have people harvest these fish than let them go to waste," Megargle said. Daily bag, possession, and size limits will be removed on both Sixmile Creek and Gunnel Reservoir in Cassia County from September 11 through 27. Licensed anglers may take the fish by any method except firearms, explosives, chemicals or electric current.