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Proposed changes to the 2000-2001 Idaho fishing rules are out for public comment.
Regional Fish and Game offices are in the process of taking comment from anglers now. A list of proposals is available at Fish and Game offices and on the Internet at www.state.id.us/fishgame/2000prop.htm .
Only two changes in statewide rules are anticipated. Most of the proposed new rules involved individual waters and many of the proposals are aimed at simplifying the rules or making them consistent with other waters within regions.
The most numerous changes affecting the greatest number of anglers come in the Panhandle Region, largely as a result of efforts to protect kokanee and cutthroat trout populations. All seven regions are considering some changes.
Statewide proposals include eliminating all barbless hook rules. Research has shown that using barbed hooks does not affect fish numbers significantly and the rule, where it is in effect, causes confusion among anglers as well as an enforcement problem for the department.
The other major change proposed statewide is the reduction of the general trout limit from six to five. This is a result of department budget cuts affecting the ability to produce the same number of trout in state hatcheries as in the past. The rule would spread out the harvest of hatchery-reared trout among anglers.
Uploaded: 8/1/1999
Uploaded: 8/1/1999