Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Current IDAHO SNOTEL report

As you can see from the most recent Snow Survey report, Southeast Idaho mountains are extremely deficient in snow pack. The stream systems that rely on high snow water equivalency will suffer...i.e. the Blackfoot River.

IDAHO SNOTEL Snow Water Equivalent Update Graph

As of WEDNESDAY: FEBRUARY 24 , 2010

Basin	Snow Water Equivalent Percent of Average
NORTHERN PANHANDLE REGION	70%
SPOKANE RIVER BASIN	52%
CLEARWATER BASIN	53%
SALMON BASIN	62%
WEISER BASIN	73%
PAYETTE BASIN	59%
BOISE BASIN	69%
BIG WOOD BASIN	64%
LITTLE WOOD BASIN	59%
BIG LOST BASIN	57%
LITTLE LOST, BIRCH BASINS	69%
MEDICINE LODGE, BEAVER, CAMAS BASINS	67%
HENRYS FORK, TETON BASINS	58%
SNAKE BASIN ABOVE PALISADES	56%
WILLOW, BLACKFOOT, PORTNEUF BASINS	58%
SNAKE BASIN ABOVE AMERICAN FALLS	57%
OAKLEY BASIN	76%
SALMON FALLS BASIN	66%
BRUNEAU BASIN	63%
OWYHEE BASIN	79%
BEAR RIVER BASIN	58%

Legend:

<70%

70-90%

91-110%

111-130%

>130%

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Comment on Big Game Hunting Seasons

It is the time of year when you have the opportunity to comment on how the Idaho Fish and Game intends to manage the big game herds and hunting seasons. Since quality protection for big game species generally results in enhanced protection for fishing streams and rivers, I would encourage any hunters out there to attend the public meetings in their region (the times and locations are here) or to post comments online. Once I found the online link I will post it.

Friday, February 12, 2010

Fishing great for the economy

Maybe the government should create a fishing "stimulus" package for all of the small communities in Idaho, or even better, a tax credit/deduction for fisherman who spend money supporting communities while pursuing their passion. Idaho Fish and Game found the following when studying fishing's impact on the economy:

2003 Idaho Sport Fishing Economic Report

Statewide
In 2003, Idaho's population was 1,366,332 with one in four eligible people residing in Idaho purchasing a fishing license. There were 424,375 fishing licenses and 106,759 permits (chinook/steelhead/2 pole permits) sold to 400,824 individuals of which 124,297 were nonresidents. Fishing in Idaho generated $437,631,735 in statewide retail sales in 2003 with an additional $12,289,806 for fishing licenses and permits.
Anglers fished 3,908,747 days on 2,917,972 trips with an average of 1.3 days per trip and 5.1 hours per day and $150 per trip.

They spent:

$106,027,912 on food and beverages in stores.
$ 42,241,442 on food and beverages in restaurants.
$ 61,857,157 on fishing supplies.
$ 59,982,392 on other equipment and supplies.
$ 91,115,794 on round-trip transportation.
$ 31,495,818 on outfitters and/or guides.
$ 29,358,536 on motels.
$ 10,008,279 on campgrounds, public and/or private.
$ 5,544,405 on Access Fees, boat launches, parking, etc.
$ 12,289,806 on fishing licenses and permits.

Saturday, February 06, 2010

Idaho Salmon Forecast

Idaho salmon runs look encouraging again this year. The Idaho Fish and Game predicts that the pre-season spring and summer Chinook salmon run forecast will be around 160,000 adult hatchery fish and almost 30,000 wild fish to cross Lower Granite Dam with an expectation that Chinook salmon seasons will occur on the same waters in Idaho and in the boundary water fished in recent years.

Wednesday, February 03, 2010

Idaho Fly Fishing Outlook - February 3, 2010

Even after all of the snow received in the mountains over the last two weeks, Eastern Idaho and Southeast Idaho snowpack levels remain very low for this time of year. Hopefully the groundhog was right and there is still six more weeks of winter (if you are into that sort of thing of course!).

The Blackfoot River is very dependent on the snow water equivalent to maintain optimal flows in the summer. Without a significant increase in snow pack (or a very wet, rainy spring) the upper Blackfoot River may not be in poor shape for this summer's fishing season. The Henry's Fork, with excellent spring flows, may have lower water, but will probably still be great fishing as the lower flows make it more accessible by foot.