BY KAREN BOSSICK
Idaho Fish and Game fisheries managers will discuss trout management during Blaine County’s extreme drought at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 22, at the Performing Arts Theater at the Hailey Community Campus.
While conditions are bad, fish are extremely resilient and can self-regulate their distribution and feeding habits, said Mike Peterson, Regional Fisheries manager for the Magic Valley Region.
Long-term data shows that fish populations have remained stable through several past drought cycles. Current conditions within the Big Wood and Little Wood drainages, while severe, have been observed in the past and fish populations have continued to persist following these drought cycles.
“Fish will seek out cold-water refuge and often will not actively feed during times of high water temperatures,” Peterson said. “We know that fish are hardy and can survive during stressful episodes, but we are also monitoring our area streams to ensure that we don’t see population level impacts to our fishery resources here in southcentral Idaho.”
Magic Valley Fish and Game hasn’t initiated any closure orders because of the ability of trout to fend for themselves. Populations in the Big Wood River and Silver Creek are healthy.
Questions? Call 208-324-4359.