Fish & Game seeks comments on taking gamefish

Idaho Fish and Game has begun the process of negotiated rulemaking to consider expanding methods of take for certain gamefish species (specifically, walleye, pike, and lake trout) in response to a petition sent to the department in May 2024.

At the May 2024 Commission meeting, several anglers requested modification to the methods of take pertaining to certain gamefish species using underwater spearfishing in waters where the department is trying to actively reduce their abundance to achieve fisheries management objectives. This rulemaking will consider comments brought to the Department around this proposed rule change.

The department will be hosting a public meeting at Fish and Game’s Headquarters building in Boise on Tuesday, July 9 from 12-1 p.m. Pacific Time. The meeting will also be streamed virtually on Zoom.

Written comments will be accepted July 3, 2024 through July 24, 2024. Email comments to rules@idfg.idaho.gov.

Negotiated rulemaking is being initiated in compliance with Governor Little’s Executive Order No. 2020-01 for zero-based regulation. In accordance with the executive order, each rule chapter must be reviewed based on a schedule established by the Division of Financial Management and with the intent to simplify and streamline rule language and reduce regulatory burden.