Soap Box - Statement
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March 8, 2009
Steelhead Report..last one for this season
This steelhead season is winding down rapidly. Most of the fish are in the terminal areas and with the extended period of since they entered into the river system they are in less than quality shape. These fish will be spawning soon and as that time gets even closer they are simply a shadow of what they were several months ago.
Whether you utilize this late season depends on your own opinions and thoughts - for us, we do not feel that the chance of hooking and damaging a wild fish is not worth the chance.
One last point is many of these fish will be in or near their spawning beds....we never advocate fishing in this type of situation as the fish are usually flossed rather than sportingly hooked.
Rumor has it that there has been the usual number of people who have taken to the upper river in hopes of snagging fish. This practice is not legal or ethical. Anyone seeing this please call the Fish and Game department and report it. Licence plate numbers would be a nice touch.
STURGEON care - reminders for all!
Spring is coming and it will be sport fishing Sturgeon that will be next for the inland Snake River anglers. I continue to see photos and videos of trophy sized sturgeon that have basically been removed from the waters support. These fish are drug up out of the water until their mouths, gills and most of their bodies are exposed. Pictures are taken, videos running and people patting themselves on their backs and the fish lay there unable to oxygenate themselves.
Listen up folks, these fish are not to be removed from the water for photo shoots and your photos and videos are quite frankly disgusting to anyone who loves and admires these fish....you are putting sturgeon in extreme danger by your behavior.
Note: Idaho has passed new legislation regarding utilizing a non licensed individual for a guided trip on Idaho waters. There is much stronger fines for the guide and the the anglers using an unlicensed guide will also be subject to fines. It is the buyers responsibility to utilize only Idaho licensed guides.
