Fish and Game wants comments about new steelhead regulations

by Mike Demick-Idaho Department of Fish and Game

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is proposing numerous changes to fishing rules throughout Idaho, and they want anglers to weigh in.

There are several changes proposed to steelhead regulations, including a statewide reduction in steelhead limits during the fall season and no bait during the catch and release season on the lower Clearwater River. The new rules will apply to a two-year period beginning Jan. 1, 2006 and ending Dec. 31, 2007.

Anglers are encouraged to review the proposals and comment by completing a survey on the Department's website at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/apps/surveys/fish/ or by attending one of the public meetings scheduled below in the Clearwater Region.

• Moscow - Wednesday, Sept. 14, 7 p.m. PDT, University Inn in the Latah Room, 1516 W Pullman Road, Moscow
• Lewiston - Thursday, Sept, 15, 7 p.m. PDT, Clearwater Regional office, 3316 16th St, Lewiston
• Grangeville - Monday, Sept 19, 7 p.m. PDT, Oscar's Restaurant, 101 East Main Street, Grangeville
• Orofino - Tuesday, Sept 20, 7 p.m. PDT, Ponderosa Restaurant, 220 Michigan Ave., Orofino
• Riggins - Wednesday, Sept 21, 7 p.m. MDT, Salmon Rapids Lodge, 1010 South Main, Riggins
• Pierce - Thursday, Sept 22, 7 p.m. PDT, Pierce Community Center, Pierce

Fisheries managers will consider public comments before presenting final proposals to the Fish and Game Commission in November. Steelhead fishing proposals include the following:

• Change fall season limits to: 2 per day, 6 in possession, and 20 per season, keep spring season limits: 3 per day, 9 in possession, and 20 per season. The fall season generally has the highest angler effort and more consistent fishing conditions. Reducing harvest would provide better catch rates throughout the fall season. Keeping the higher limits during the spring season would provide high harvest opportunity in the upper parts of the fisheries when steelhead congregate near the hatcheries.
• Prohibit use of bait during the catch and release steelhead season from Aug. 1 through Oct. 14 on the Clearwater River from Memorial Bridge of U.S. Highway 12 at Lewiston upstream to the Orofino Bridge. This proposal has been proposed by the public and is intended to maintain a traditional, early season steelhead catch and release fishing experience on Clearwater River. July is not included because salmon anglers may still be using bait to fish for Chinook during some seasons.
• Allow steelhead fishing through April 30 from the mouth of the Salmon River upstream to Lake Creek Bridge, about six miles upstream from the mouth of the Little Salmon River. The change would allow an additional month to harvest surplus Little Salmon River bound hatchery steelhead in lower main stem Salmon River. The current rule closes the lower river on March 31.
• Limit steelhead anglers to one barbless hook with a single point, no larger than 5/8" from shank to point on the South Fork Clearwater River. This change has been proposed by the public and supported by regional staff for further consideration because public education and enforcement has not deterred snagging in this area where fish are highly vulnerable. Managers do not believe this rule will adversely affect fishing success.

Anglers with specific questions about the proposals can contact Ed Schriever, Fisheries Manager at (208) 799-5010 or eschriever@idfg.idaho.gov.