IDFG looking for angler opinions

Interested anglers are encouraged to take part in an online survey about fishing in Idaho.

The survey, offered every five or six years, covers a variety of topics including how often people fish and their preferred fish species, what types of fishing regulations they support, and what important conservation priorities Fish and Game should pursue. Fish and Game is also interested in learning more about what other values are important to anglers, such as solitude or natural beauty.

"The angler opinion survey is the first of many steps we take to ensure our fisheries program is providing what the public wants," notes Jeff Dillon, Fish and Game's State Fishery Manager. "We've conducted these surveys for over 30 years and they help us understand what anglers want, measure how well we meet their expectations, and keep us focused on activities that benefit fish and fishermen."

Survey results will help shape Fish and Game's next statewide fish management plan, which will go into effect in 2013. Beginning this spring, Fish and Game offices around the state will conduct public meetings to review the 2007-2012 plan and gather comments for the new plan.

Responses will remain confidential. The online survey can be found on the Fish and Game website at: https://fishandgame.idaho.gov/ifwis/portal/form/public-2011-idaho-angler-opinion-survey.

It should take 10 to 15 minutes to complete. Any participation is appreciated.

Spring steelhead season opens

The spring steelhead season opened Jan. 1, but anglers will need a 2012 fishing license and steelhead permit.

Spring steelhead seasons will be open on the:

• Salmon River from its mouth to the posted boundary 100 yards downstream of the Sawtooth Fish Hatchery weir, near the town of Stanley.

• Little Salmon River from its mouth to the U.S. Highway 95 Bridge near Smokey Boulder Road.

• Snake River from the Washington state line at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater rivers upstream to Oxbow Dam.

• Clearwater River mainstem and Middle Fork Clearwater River from its mouth to Clear Creek.

• North Fork Clearwater River from its mouth to Dworshak Dam.

• South Fork Clearwater River from its mouth to the confluence of American and Red Rivers.

• Boise River from its mouth to the Barber Dam.

The season runs through April 30 in most areas.

Steelhead are in the Boise River only when stocked by Idaho Fish and Game. Here steelhead are defined as rainbow trout longer than 20 inches with a clipped adipose fin. This year about 1,000 steelhead were stocked in the Boise River. Barbless hooks are not required in the Boise River, but anglers must have a steelhead permit to fish for and keep steelhead.