Volunteers Needed in Fishing for Conservation Effort

In the spring of 2009, more than 50 conservation-minded anglers, many from the Idaho Bass Federation Nation, gathered at CJ Strike Reservoir for a day of fishing for crappie conservation. During the effort, more than 2,000 pre-spawn adult crappie were caught, loaded in a hatchery truck, transported to Lake Lowell and released. Monitoring late last summer indicated that these crappie spawned successfully in the lake and may have been one of the shots in the arm this reservoir needed. Encouraged by the success of last year's event, Fish and Game is asking for that same dedicated effort again this year during the crappie for conservation event at CJ Strike on Saturday, May 1. For more information, contact Fish and Game's southwest region office at 208-465-8465. Volunteer anglers - ideally with boats and live wells - are asked to gather at CJ Strike on May 1 and begin catching crappie destined for Lake Lowell. "It is imperative the crappie be kept well oxygenated and unstressed prior to transport," event coordinator and Fish and Game fisheries biologist Joe Kozfkay said. "Fish and Game staff will be stationed at the Air Force Ramp (only) with fish holding cages and a hatchery truck beginning at 8:00am. They will count, sort, and load fish for the trip to their new home." The event should wrap up by 2 p.m. While several fishing groups have already pledged their participation, additional volunteer anglers are needed. "We'll have the capacity to haul more than 2,000 crappie, so the more anglers the better," Kozfkay said. "It's a great chance for folks to spend a day on the water and help Fish and Game reestablish crappie fishing in Lake Lowell." A valid Idaho fishing license is required to participate in the crappie for conservation effort, and anglers must follow all established fishing rules. For more information regarding the event, contact Fish and Game's southwest region office at 208-465-8465.