Fish and Game asks for help to protect ancient fish
Using a portable X-ray machine in 2018, scientists get a look at the inside of the Snake River's ancient sturgeon, one of the river's revered gamefish.
File Photo/Courtesy of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game
You're out fishing and see someone harvest a white sturgeon and place it in a cooler, what would you do in this situation? It is illegal to harvest sturgeon in Idaho. Sturgeon should not be removed from the water and must be released upon landing. Know how to report this common violation and hear tips on how you can be a good witness for wildlife.
Being a good witness not only helps conservation officers investigate a case, but it ultimately increases the likelihood that a violator stealing Idaho’s wildlife resources is held accountable. Help be the eyes and ears for protecting our wildlife.
Please remember that safety should always be your priority when acting as a witness to a crime.
Report a wildlife crime online: idfg.idaho.gov/tipline
Call: 800-632-5999
Fishing for Idaho's white sturgeon is allowed strictly on a catch-and-release basis, and they may not be removed from the water while handling. Sturgeon around C.J. Strike Reservoir can take 10-15 years to reach sexual maturity, while those in Hells Canyon take even longer.
Because Hells Canyon offers a catch and release fishery, there is an abundance of oversized sturgeon. Due to the limited access to this remote wilderness section of the Snake River, you can expect some of the best fishing in Idaho almost year-round.
The slow growth, long lifespans and infrequent reproduction means these river giants are very susceptible to overfishing, meaning populations can take decades to rebuild.
Idaho Power and Fish and Game have active conservation programs helping to boost sturgeon populations throughout the Snake River.
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Sara Cassinelli is a digital content manager for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.