Southeast Region Fish Meetings Set

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game plans a series of meetings to gather public comments to be used in preparation of the 2008-2009 fishing rules. Information from recent Southeast Region fishery studies will also be presented. Fish and Game is looking for comments on fishing related issues, including fishing rule changes on specific water bodies, and on rule and management changes that are being considered. All meetings start at 7 p.m. Meeting dates are as follows: - Tuesday, May 8, ISU-Student Union 3rd Floor, North Fork Room, Pocatello. - Wednesday, May 9, Mountain View Middle School - Room 410, Blackfoot. - Thursday, May 10, Senior Citizens' Center - 60 South Main Soda Springs. - Tuesday, May 15, Preston Fire Station, Preston. - Wednesday, May 16, Oregon Trail Center-Theater Room, Montpelier. Ideas Fish and Game would like to discuss with the public at the meeting include: - Treasureton Reservoir in Franklin County: Should the minimum trout size at this reservoir remain at 16 inches or be increased to 20 inches? - Glendale and Condie reservoirs in Franklin County: The minimum size limit for bass is 16 inches at Glendale and 20 inches at Condie. The department is considering having just one minimum bass size limit for both reservoirs. - McCoy Creek in Caribou County: In 1998 the opening date on this stream was changed from the general opener to July 1 to prevent what was mainly a catch-and-release fishery on pre-spawn native and hatchery cutthroat trout. This rule was requested by anglers who did not want trout stressed before spawning. Considerable fishing opportunity was lost with this rule change and the department would like to know if the public would like the July 1 opener to continue or to return to Memorial Day weekend as it did before 1998. - Provide additional trout fishing opportunities with winter catch and release seasons on some rivers and streams. - Snake River from American Falls Dam to Gifford Springs: Should the general bass limit remain at six bass more than 12 inches long, or should the rule be more restrictive to maintain or enhance the quality of this fishery. Fisheries in the Southeast Regions include the Bear, Portneuf and Blackfoot rivers, the Snake River from Gem State Dam to Gifford Springs in Lake Walcott, as well as tributary streams and irrigation and hydro-power reservoirs. Fishing in the region includes native and introduced species, hatchery-stocked trout, catfish and walleye and self-sustaining warm water species, such as bass, bluegill and perch. For more information or to submit comments, please contact Richard Scully or Dave Teuscher at 232-4703. Individuals with disabilities may request meeting accommodations by contacting Fish and Game's Southeast Regional Office at 232-4703 or through the Idaho Relay Service at 1-800-377- 3529(TDD).