Watch for Tagged Bass

Anglers fishing for bass in Idaho should look closely at the fish they catch. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is tagging bass in five locations to learn more about bass fishing in southern Idaho. The tagged bass are swimming in CJ Strike Reservoir, Bell Rapids Reservoir, Milner Reservoir, the Snake River below American Falls Reservoir, and Gem Lake. Each tag is imprinted with an ID number and a toll-free telephone number (1-866-258-0338). Survey forms will also be available at access points at each reservoir. Anglers catching tagged bass are asked to fill out a survey form and send it in, or call the toll-free number with information about their catch. Anglers who keep the tagged fish they catch are asked to return the tag to Fish and Game. The Department encourages catch and release fishing, but anglers who release their fish should not attempt to remove the tags. Anyone releasing a tagged bass should simply record the tag number and fill out a survey form or call the toll-free number. Researchers are interested in answers to the following questions:

1. What is the tag number?
2. Did you harvest (keep) the fish?
3. When did you catch the fish?
4. Would you have kept the fish if it was not tagged?
5. Did the fish have two tags?
6. Do you wish to have the tag returned to you?

Research Biologist Art Butts says the information anglers provide will be used to improve bass fishing statewide. "We can learn information on growth, survival, and movement of individual fish when tag numbers are reported", Butts said. "This information can be used to help us better manage this very important resource."