By T.J. Ross
Idaho Fish and Game
If you are one of the many anglers who participated in the 2024 Kootenai River Angler Science Program, thank you for investing time and energy into helping Idaho Fish and Game. Information collected by all of you will help Fish and Game manage the burbot fishery in the Kootenai River.
The peak of burbot fishing has come and gone, so make sure to turn in your completed creel packet by May 1 for a chance to win some great prizes! You can turn your packet in at the Fish and Game Panhandle Region Office, Far North in Bonners Ferry or North 40 Outfitters in Ponderay.
Remember, you didn’t have to catch any burbot to be eligible for the raffle, but you did need to participate in the fishery, fill out a logbook, a contact card and turn in your packet by the May 1 deadline. Although Fish and Game hopes anglers will catch a burbot every time out, it’s just as important to hear about the trips for which no Burbot were caught.
If you caught a burbot with a tag in its back this year, please report the tag if you haven’t already! By reporting tags, you are helping Fish and Game better understand burbot catch rates, harvest rates and survival rates, which helps with managing the fishery.
You can report the tag number and location of where you caught the fish to Fish and Game. Reporting can be done over the phone (1-866-258-0338), online or as part of the of the Angler Science Program creel packet.