Local anglers, businesses, and fisheries managers host a public meeting in Lewiston next week on the early closure of Idaho’s steelhead fishing season.
The Idaho Fish and Game Commission’s decision to close the season this week was prompted by a lawsuit threatened by fishing and conservation groups who contend this year’s low return of protected wild steelhead warrants a shortened fishery to guard against any incidental mortality. The plaintiffs filed a 60-day notice of intent to sue state officials – that notice ends Friday.
Idaho’s Fisheries Management and Evaluation Plan expired in 2009, and while the state submitted a new plan the same year, federal officials hadn’t taken action until last month when they released a draft of the plan for public comment.
The review process could be completed and a plan approved late this winter or early next spring, but the lack of an approved plan leaves the state vulnerable to litigation.
The public meeting on Tuesday is aimed at crafting a plan to address the current closure, and develop a long-term strategy. Legislators, local outfitters, business owners, fisheries advocacy group members, Chamber of Commerce representatives, and Fish and Game staff will be in attendance.
Tuesday’s public meeting begins at 6 PM in Room 115 of Sacajawea Hall at Lewis-Clark State College. (Lewiston Tribune)
