Idaho Fish and Game Commission adopted the rule in November. The goal is to increase opportunity for more anglers to catch stocked fish and to reduce the boom and bust cycle with the stocking program.

Affected waters are Big Elk Creek, Crooked Creek and Red River in the Clearwater Region; Parkcenter Pond, Weiser Community Pond, McDevitt Pond and Wilson Ponds in the Southwest Region; Edson Fichter Pond in the Southeast Region; and Becker Pond in the Upper Snake Region.

In addition, in the Magic Valley Region the length limit is removed on smallmouth bass in Magic Reservoir; and in the Southeast Region the bass limit is removed in the Treasureton Reservoir.

In the Upper Snake Region the limit is removed on rainbow trout and hybrid trout in the South Fork Snake River tributaries. The limit on brown trout is two, with none under 16 inches. In Henrys Lake Outlet, the 400 yard section from the USGS gauge to the Henrys Lake Dam opens to fishing.

These changes take effect January 1. New fishing seasons and rules brochures for 2013-2015 are now available at all license vendors, Fish and Game offices and on the Fish and Game website at: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/fish/rules/.

News Source: Idaho F&G - Dec. 17, 2012