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Fish and Game to present update program
on Lake Pend Oreille Fishery |
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February 3, 2015 |
For Idaho Panhandle anglers and biologists
alike, one of the greatest highlights of 2014
was watching scores of anglers enjoy great
Kokanee fishing on Lake Pend Oreille. In
response to the growth in the kokanee
population, the kokanee bag limit was increased
last spring from 6 fish to 15 fish. Anglers took
notice and came out in droves. Preliminary
estimates indicate that anglers harvested nearly
150,000 kokanee in 2014.
While that's a lot of fish, it was still only a
fraction of the total adult population. IDFG
surveys indicated a population of 1.4 million
adult kokanee, which is one of the highest
estimates since the 1970s.
Lake trout predation has been the primary factor
limiting kokanee recovery for well over a
decade. Aggressive efforts to remove lake trout
involving both the Angler Incentive Program ($15
reward to anglers) and commercial netting
equipment have dramatically reduced the size of
the lake trout population and allowed a rapid
expansion of the kokanee population.
According to Andy Dux, Principal Research
Biologist, IDFG's annual surveys indicate
kokanee are poised to do well over the next few
years. Juvenile kokanee were abundant, with fry
and age-1 fish looking particularly strong.
Age-2 kokanee were less abundant than the
previous two years, but still appear to be a
reasonably strong age group when compared to
historical estimates. These results provide an
early sign that kokanee fishing should remain
good in 2015 and beyond.
The trophy rainbow trout fishery showed
continued signs of improvement in 2014 and
provided enjoyment for many anglers. As kokanee
density has increased in recent years, so have
rainbow trout growth rates. Anglers caught more
trophy rainbow trout in 2014 than they have in a
long time, including many fish over 20 pounds.
IDFG will present a summary of the Lake Pend
Oreille fishery recovery effort at the annual
"State of the Lake" meeting later this month (in
Sandpoint on February 19). In addition to an
overview of the Pend Oreille fishery, officials
will discuss the process of setting fishing
regulations for 2016-2018. IDFG is beginning the
scoping phase of rulemaking where anglers are
invited to present ideas.
IDFG doesn't see a need for any major rule
changes this cycle, but is interested in what
anglers have to say. The main topics related to
Lake Pend Oreille would be whether to reconsider
the "unlimited rod" rule, which currently allows
anglers to fish with multiple rods when fishing
from a boat; and, whether or not to implement
more restrictive rules on rainbow trout in order
to improve the trophy fishery.
The meeting is scheduled for Thursday evening,
February 19 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM at the Ponderay
Events Center by the Bonner Mall north of
Sandpoint. For more information, contact the
Idaho Department of Fish and Game at (208)
769-1414. Individuals with disabilities may
request meeting accommodations at the number
above; or, through the Idaho Relay Service at 1
800 377 2529 (TDD). |
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