FISHING – Public meetings are scheduled this week to air changes in fishing regulations proposed for 2016-2018 by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.

 The proposals have been drafted based on previous public meetings, angler surveys and work by fisheries biologist.

Proposals for the Panhandle Region include:

• Reducing the rainbow trout limit on Lake Pend Oreille from six a day to two fish, only one over 20 inches in order to support trophy fishery management.
• Prohibiting bait fishing on the Clark Fork River and tributaries from December through the Friday before Memorial Day; rainbow trout closed to harvest, catch and release only.
• Increasing kokanee limit on Spirit Lake from 15 to 25.
• Increasing minimum length on Hayden Lake largemouth bass from 16 to 20 inches to improve average fish size, which has been decreasing.

Panhandle region biologists will be available to discuss the proposals and take comments during an open house, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30, at the Fish and Game Office, 2885 W. Kathleen Ave. in Coeur d’Alene.

The public can complete an online survey on Fish and Game’s website through Aug. 31..

“There are fishing rule changes proposed for every region of the state,” said Martin Koenig, sport fishing coordinator. “Some proposals would increase limits and seasons, while some would be more restrictive. Other changes would help simplify complex rules on places like the Henrys Fork.” 

Final recommendations will be submitted to the Idaho Fish and Game Commission in November.

• An open house also is set Tuesday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., in Lewiston at the Clearwater Region Fish and Game Office, 3316 16th St.