Fishing rule changes under review

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Idaho Fish and Game is seeking public review and comment on a dozen proposed rule changes affecting fisheries and fishing opportunities here in Idaho.

The changes would clarify existing rules, make changes to improve opportunity, increase management flexibility and correct errors in state rules.

Anglers who would like to provide comments or would like additional information can do so by: contacting Doug Megargle or Scott Stanton -- IDFG Magic Valley Region Fisheries staff, at (208) 324-4359; sending comments via email to MVFishery@idfg.idaho.gov; attending an open house on Thursday, June 18, from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. at the Idaho Fish and Game office at 324 South 417 East St., southeast of Jerome, or two miles north of the Flying J on Highway 93; or by submitting comments at fishandgame.idaho.gov/apps/surveys (where the proposals can be reviewed as well), or sending letters to IDFG, Fishing Rules, P.O. Box 25, Boise ID 83707.

Comments on the proposed rule changes are due by June 24.

Of local interest is the proposal to require anglers use a barbless circle hook and sliding sinker when sturgeon fishing. The rationale is that in some heavily fished waters, sturgeon are hooked up to eight times a year and landed about half the time. Even with low mortality rates from catch-and-release fishing, by the time sturgeon reach six feet long (20-30 years) fishing mortality rates may be significant. Efforts to reduce hooking or handling mortality could greatly improve long term survival of fish.

Any rules adopted by the commission in 2009 will not take effect until January 2011.

The 2008-2009 fishing rules will remain in effect until the new rules are published in 2011 so the Department is requesting anglers hold on to their existing regulations.

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