The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is seeking public feedback on proposed fishing rule changes for 2016-2018. Idaho fishing seasons and rules are developed for approval by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game Commission every three years. Fish and Game has proposed a host of changes based on new information from biologists, and from public meetings and angler opinion surveys conducted earlier this spring.

Proposed rule changes for the Panhandle Region include: reduce rainbow trout limit on Lake Pend Oreille to two fish, only one over 20 inches; change bait rule on the Clark Fork River and tributaries and Pack River and tributaries to, "no bait allowed from Dec. 1 through the Friday before Memorial Day Weekend;" increase kokanee limit on Spirit Lake to 25; and increase minimum length on largemouth bass in Hayden Lake from 16 to 20 inches.

Anglers are invited to provide their opinions about the proposed changes by completing the online survey on Fish and Game's website at: https://fishandgame.idaho.gov/content/public-involvement.

All comments will be accepted through midnight Aug. 31.

"There are fishing rule changes proposed for every region of the state," Sport Fishing Coordinator Martin Koenig said. "Some proposals would increase limits and seasons, while some would be more restrictive. Other changes would help simplify complex rules on places like the Henrys Fork."

Fish and Game will consider all opinions and comments before crafting final recommendations that will be submitted to the Idaho Fish and Game Commission at their November meeting.

In addition to the website survey, anglers may provide their 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.

Copies of the proposed rule changes are also available at all Idaho Fish and Game regional offices and at Fish and Game headquarters in Boise. Angler opinions are crucial in helping Idaho Fish and Game manage fisheries statewide and fisheries biologists look forward to hearing from you.