Deadline to comment on fishing rule changes is Aug. 31

Fishing seasons and rules are revised every three years. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) is currently accepting public comments on proposed fishing rule changes for 2016-18, but the deadline to comment is coming soon. All comments must be received no later than Aug. 31 to be considered in the rule setting process.

Fishing rule changes are based on new biological information collected by fisheries biologists, and public input provided from a variety of sources such as angler opinion surveys and public meetings.

Rule changes have been proposed in every region of the state. In the Panhandle Region, the four proposed rule changes are:

1. Reduce the rainbow trout limit on Lake Pend Oreille to two fish, only one over 20 inches. The current limit is six fish, only one over 20 inches. A two-fish limit was used on Lake Pend Oreille during much of the 1980s and '90s. Reverting to this rule would mean a modest decrease in harvest and be more consistent with the trophy management supported by anglers.

2. No longer allow the use of bait on the Clark Fork and Pack rivers and their tributaries from Dec. 1 through the Friday before Memorial Day weekend. Most lake anglers oppose fishing during spawning season, but the catch-and-release fishery in tributaries has become extremely popular. Disallowing the use of bait would eliminate the "slack line" bait fishery that is now common on the Pack River and would help alleviate the concerns of lake anglers. There would be some lost opportunity, but the vast majority of anglers are currently not using bait.

3. Increase the limit on kokanee in Spirit Lake to 25 fish. The kokanee population in Spirit Lake is above Fish Management objectives. Consequently, mature kokanee are now 7-8 inches long and attract very little angler interest. This rule change would allow more angler harvest from a population that can easily support it and potentially lead to increased size of kokanee.

4. Increase the minimum length on largemouth bass in Hayden Lake to 20 inches. Despite managing for a quality largemouth bass fishery, our recent population assessment indicated size structure is poorer than expected. Numerous reports from anglers support the contention that there are fewer large fish in the population. A 20-inch minimum would eliminate nearly all harvest and lead to more large fish in the population. The current bag limit for largemouth bass is two fish, none under 16 inches.

Anglers can provide their opinions about these and other statewide rule change proposals by completing an online survey on the IDFG website at: https://fishandgame.idaho.gov/content/public-involvement. In addition, anglers may provide comments by email to idfginfo@idfg.idaho.gov or by mail to 2016-2018 Fish Season and Rule Comments, c/o Idaho Fish and Game, P.O. Box 25, Boise, ID 83707. The deadline for providing feedback is Aug. 31.

All public input will be considered by IDFG before final recommendations are submitted to the Idaho Fish and Game Commission at their November meeting. Fishing seasons and rules must be approved by the Commission and will take effect on Jan. 1, 2016.

Angler involvement and opinions are a critical component of managing Idaho's fisheries. If you enjoy fishing, please consider taking the time to provide your thoughts on proposed fishing rule changes.

Andy Dux is the Idaho Department of Fish and Game regional fishery manager.