Angler creel survey underway on Kootenai River

Idaho Fish and Game is currently conducting an angler survey, also known as a creel survey, on the Kootenai River. The survey will run from June 1 through Oct. 15 of 2025.

During the survey period, anglers will be asked to participate in a 2-3 minute interview after completing their fishing for the day to gather information about their experience on the Kootenai River.

Fish and Game biologists use information gathered from creel surveys to identify how well current regulations are working, learn about the status of the fish populations, estimate the amount of angling effort and better understand how the fishery is performing for anglers.

“The last creel survey on the Kootenai River was completed in 2011. We learned that rainbow trout catch rates increased following regulation changes in 2002 and nutrient addition beginning in 2005.  In recent years, not only has interest in fishing the Kootenai River grown, but we have also observed increases in our biennial population estimates for rainbow trout, which is great. Now is the time to gather information to make fishing even better on the Kootenai River,” said Fishery Research Biologist, Aaron Black.

Ultimately, future decisions related to managing fisheries in the Kootenai River are only as good as the information Fish and Game uses to make them. Fish and Game, in partnership with anglers, can generate useful information to maintain or improve local fisheries. 

Additionally, be on the lookout for tagged fish and remember to report tags if you encounter one. Reported tags provide useful information to help Fish and Game better understand catch, harvest and survival rates to ultimately help better manage the fishery.

Select tags carry a reward value of $100, so if you see a tag, please 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) or online. Tags can be reported even if you choose not remove it from the fish; however, if you catch a reward-tagged fish, the tag must be removed from the fish and mailed to claim the reward.

As a reminder, the Kootenai River is subject to special rules. The trout limit is two, no rainbow or westslope cutthroat trout under 16 inches. Just because you observed a fish with a tag in it does not mean it is legal for harvest.

So, if you see a Fish and Game employee on the Kootenai River this summer asking you to participate in a quick interview, please consider doing so.

Please contact the Panhandle Regional office at 208-769-1414 with any questions.

T.J. Ross is a regional communications manager for the Idaho Department Fish and Game.