Field reports: Idaho angling survey opens online
FISHING – An online survey about fishing in Idaho will open Monday on the Idaho Fish and Game website.
The survey, offered every five or six years, covers a variety of topics including how often people fish and their preferred fish species, what types of fishing regulations they support and what important conservation priorities Fish and Game should pursue.
The survey also monitors how anglers view values such as solitude and natural beauty.
“The angler opinion survey is the first of many steps we take to ensure our fisheries program is providing what the public wants,” Fish and Game’s State Fishery Manager Jeff Dillon said.
The survey is designed to be statistically random, but it also offers an opportunity for all anglers to share their opinions, he said.
A mailed survey went out Monday to a random sample of fishing license buyers.
An emailed invitation to take the survey was sent Tuesday to a random sample of license buyers.
An online survey open to everyone will be released Monday. The public will find a link to the survey on Idaho’s Fish and Game’s website, idfg.idaho.gov, from Monday until Nov. 13.
Survey results help shape Fish and Game’s next statewide fish management plan.
“We’ve conducted these surveys for over 30 years and they help us understand what anglers want, measure how well we meet their expectations, and keep us focused on activities that benefit fish and fishermen,” Dillon said.
Fly-tying classes
at Silver Bow
FLY FISHING –Winter is prime time for fly fishers to build their inventory of patterns. To get novices on the right track at their vise, Wayne Jordan will be teaching four Beginner Fly Tying Classes. The first one is set for Nov. 11 at Silver Bow Fly Shop, 13210 E. Indiana Ave. in Spokane Valley.
Learn how to tie four basic flies for trout. Students will be instructed on material selection, tools, and all basic steps for tying trout flies. Equipment and materials provided.
Beginner classes are scheduled for 9 a.m.-noon on Nov. 11, Jan. 6, Jan. 20 or Feb. 3.
Cost: $40. Info: 924-9998.
‘Pray for Snow’
at REI party
WINTERSPORTS – The annual “Pray for Snow” winter bash is set for next Sunday from 5-8 p.m. at the Spokane REI store, 1125 N. Monroe St.
“We partner with various vendors, ski resorts and local community groups to throw a huge party,” said Jenna Bracken, store spokeswoman. Last year, about 800 participants joined the party, she said.
Participants age 21 and older are invited to what Bracken calls the Pre-Funk Pray for Snow at River City Brewing, 121 S. Cedar St., from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
“Your first two beers are on REI,” she said.
Guests at the REI store party who wear ’80s ski gear will vie for prizes from vendors.
Food will be available provided by Couple of Chefs, Tacos Camargos, and Mangia’s Woodfired Pizza. Boots Bakery will provide winter-themed mocktails.