Fish salvage order in effect for many east Idaho canals
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IDAHO FALLS — Anglers will have a monthlong opportunity to salvage fish from irrigation canals in eastern Idaho as the irrigation season comes to an end.
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game has issued a fish salvage order for canals in the Upper Snake and Southeast regions from Oct. 30 through Nov. 30.
As canals are shut off and drained for the winter, thousands of fish can become stranded. The salvage order allows licensed anglers to harvest fish that might otherwise go to waste.
During the salvage period, all bag, possession and size limits are suspended. However, anglers must still have a valid Idaho fishing license.
Most fishing methods are permitted, but firearms, explosives, chemicals and electrical current are prohibited. Fish also cannot be transported alive from where they are caught.
Anglers fishing canals that cross private property must obtain permission from the landowner.
Sturgeon must be released
Fish and Game officials emphasize that sturgeon cannot be kept under any circumstances. Anyone who catches a sturgeon must release it alive immediately and report the catch to the nearest Fish and Game office.
Which canals are included?
The salvage order covers the following canals.
In the Upper Snake Region, the included canals are Anderson, Burgess, Butte & Market Lake, Chester, Clark & Edwards, Consolidated Farmers, Crosscut, Danskin, Dry Bed, Eagle Rock, East LaBelle, Egin, Fall River, Farmer’s Friend, Harrison, Idaho, Independent, Island, Marysville, Osgood, Palisades, Parks & Lewisville, Porter, Reid, Rexburg Irrigation, Rigby, Rudy, Salem Union, St. Anthony, St. Anthony Union, Teton Island Feeder, Teton Irrigation, West LaBelle, Wilford and Woodville.
In the Southeast Region, the order covers Aberdeen Springfield, Blackfoot, Cedar Point, Corbett Slough, Great Western, Highline, Lavaside, Low Line, New Lavaside & Peoples, Peoples, Reservation and Snake River Valley.
The salvage opportunity runs through Nov. 30, giving anglers a limited window to catch fish before the canals are drained and the order expires.
For more information, contact the Upper Snake Regional Office at (208) 525-7290 or the Southeast Regional Office at (208) 232-4703.