Comment On Fishing Rules: Panhandle

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is proposing changes to fishing rules for the 2008-2009 fishing seasons.

A series of public meetings have been set to gather comments on proposals that would affect rules statewide and rules for specific waters in the Panhandle Region.

Meetings run from 7 to 9 p.m. at these locations and dates:
" Coeur d'Alene: Tuesday, September 4, at Idaho Fish and Game, 2885 Kathleen Ave.
" St. Maries: Tuesday, September 11, at Avista building, 528 College St.
" Bonners Ferry: Wednesday, September 12, at County Extension Office, 6447 Kootenai St.
" Sandpoint: Tuesday, September 18, at Federal Building 1500 Hwy 2.
" Kellogg: Wednesday, September 19, Avista building, 120 N. Hill St.

Statewide proposals include changes in the legal sizes of crayfish traps, seines, and cast nets; changes in sturgeon fishing equipment requirements, and new restrictions on the use of live bait. The proposed regulations include a change in the general bass limit north of the Salmon River, which removes length limits and creates a year-round season.

In the Panhandle Region, changes are proposed for a specific group of waters managed under "quality bass management" regulations. These waters would have a year-round season with a six bass limit. However, in the proposed quality bass areas, only two of the bass harvested could be largemouth bass. All largemouth bass would have to be a minimum of 16 inches in length.

Changes are proposed in the winter stream season to allow catch and release fishing for trout in the Little North Fork Coeur d'Alene River, North Fork Coeur d'Alene River, South Fork Coeur d'Alene River, Spokane River, St. Joe River, and the St. Maries River.

Other regional proposals include:
" Moyie River would be open all year with a two trout limit.
" Mirror Lake would be managed under "quality trout management" rules with a limit of two trout, 16 inch minimum, no bait, and open all year.
" Bonner Lake would follow the state general limit.
" The Coeur d'Alene Lake kokanee and Chinook limit would be six combined, similar to 2007.
" Hayden Lake limits would be two trout (16-inch minimum), six bass (including no more than two largemouth, 16-inch minimum, six crappie (10-inch minimum). All species would be open all year. There would be no more inlet closures and no tributary closures on Hayden, Mokins or Yellowbanks Creeks.
" Idaho Fish and Game is proposing to work with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to pursue a limited harvest of bull trout in Lake Pend Oreille.
" Cutthroat trout would be catch and release on Coeur d'Alene Lake, the Clark Fork River and Lake Pend Oreille. At the meetings, the public will be asked to consider four alternatives for management of cutthroat trout in the Spokane River drainage above Post Falls Dam.

Individuals with disabilities may request meeting accommodations by contacting Ned Horner at the Idaho Department of Fish and Game directly at 208 769-1414 or through the Idaho Relay Service at 1 800 377 2529 (TDD).