Field reports: Idaho proposes new angling rules
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 biologists.
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, 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 at fishandgame.idea.gov.
“There are fishing rule changes proposed for every region of the state,” Sport Fishing Coordinator Martin Koenig said. “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.
Roosevelt levels on the rise this week
BOATING – The level of Lake Roosevelt was at 1282.60 feet above sea level today – up more than 2 feet since Tuesday.
The elevation of the reservoir behind Grand Coulee Dam is expected to continue to slowly rise over the next week. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation predicts the elevation range by Friday will be in the 1,284-1,286 range.
Water levels will increase about a half a foot each day through the July 4 weekend and will reach a maximum elevation of 1,289.7 by July 19.
Full pools is 1,290 feet above sea level.
Lake level forecasts are updated daily by 3 p.m. Call (800) 824-4916 for the updated 24-hour forecast.
Kettle camp reopens
CAMPING – The Kettle River Campground on Lake Roosevelt reopened Thursday after being closed because of a human-caused ground fire started on June 22.
The fire burned less than an acre. An investigation is underway, National Park Service officials said.
Near-record smallouth
FISHING – A Camas, Washington, angler had a close call with a 50-year-old state fishing record Wednesday on the Columbia River.
Using a plastic grub near Stevenson, the angler caught a 8.53-pound smallmouth measured by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife fisheries biologist Joe Hymer.
“It was 21 7/8 inches long and had a 18 1/2-inch girth,” Hymer said. “The state record is an 8.75-pound specimen caught on the Hanford Reach in April 1966.