2004 Regulation Changes

by: Shaun Lawson

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game Commission has passed some exciting regulation changes on the Henry's Fork and South Fork of the Snake and tributaries for the 2004-05 seasons. They are by far some of the most significant the region has seen in recent years. The adopted changes were greatly influenced by public opinion through public meetings and written comments via e-mails and letters. Jim Fredericks, IDF&G Regional Fisheries Manager, thanks anglers for their comments, "I know that sportsmen sometimes think providing comment is a waste of time, believing decisions have already been made-I assure you this was not the case, as angler input was the key factor for several of the decisions." Following is a breakdown of the changes.

The following changes have been made to the South Fork and its tributaries and took effect on January 1, 2004:

• ** The entire South Fork of the Snake River is now "open all year".
• ** Cutthroat trout are "catch-and-release" on the South Fork and on tributaries (Burns, Pine, Rainey, Palisades creeks).
• ** All four tributaries (Burns, Pine, Rainey, Palisades creeks) now have a July 1 through November 30 season.
• ** The limit on rainbow trout and hybrid (cutthroat x rainbow) trout has been removed on South Fork.

These changes are aimed at increasing harvest opportunity on rainbow trout, rainbow/cut hybrids, and protecting the native Yellowstone Cutthroats. Over the past several years the numbers of Rainbows and Hybrids have increased considerably in the South Fork. There is great concern that if this trend is not curbed the native Yellowstone Cutthroat populations will be in danger.

The following changes have been made to the Henrys Fork and its tributaries with the primary intent being to increase winter opportunity and to eliminate unnecessary complications in the regulations:

• ** The "open all year" section on the Henrys Fork (from the Highway 20 Bridge to the mouth of the Warm River) has been extended to Riverside Campground.
• ** The September 30 early closure in the middle section of Harriman State Park (from Osborne Bridge up to the Ranch Bridge) has been eliminated. All of Harriman State Park will now have a June 15 through November 30 season.
• ** A "winter stream season" has been applied to the open areas of Warm River (Jan. 1 - March 31 and Dec. 1 - Dec. 31)

We are extremely excited about these changes and are eager to get out there and start exploring the new winter and early spring opportunities. We are expecting some incredible fishing! Give us a call for an updated report on our progress, or consider hiring a guide. Our off-season rates extent through May 15th and we have plenty of guides in the area that are chomping at the bit.