The capture effort on July 17, netted 261 rainbow trout. One of the trout moved measured in at 24 inches and close to 5 pounds. Of the fish moved, 50 percent were between 4 and 8 inches, 30 percent 12-18 inches and 20 percent were 19-24 inches.

Using an electro-fishing boat biologists worked from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. capturing fish. The captured fish were moved that morning to Glendale Reservoir.

Fishing is still possible at Treasureton Reservoir. A salvage order is in place at Treasureton allowing anglers to take as many fish as they can catch. Anglers can take fish by any means except chemicals, explosives and electricity.

"We encourage anglers to catch as many fish as possible from Treasureton since it is going dry," said regional fisheries manager Dick Scully.

Now is a good time to fish since the fish's flesh is firm and has not been physically effected by the drawdown and rapidly heated water.

Catfish at Alexander

Several nights of electro-fishing and setting gillnets on Alexander Reservoir near Soda Springs turned up some nice size catfish according to fisheries technician Brian O'Hearn. A number of the fish caught and released measure 26-28 inches. Most were caught in shallow water near rocky shorelines.

Fish and Game has planted catfish in Alexander for the past several years. The netting and electro-shocking is being done to find out if the planted fish are naturally reproducing.

According to fisheries biologist David Teuscher the hatchery that previously supplied young catfish has some disease issues with transferring Midwest fish stocks. He is trying to find replacement catfish that are hardy enough to overwinter in Soda Springs. Selecting the right strain of catfish can mean the difference between a successful overwintering population and one that just struggles along.

Trout for Devil's Creek

Devil's Creek Reservoir received a bonus plant last week when a private hatchery donated a significant number of one-pound rainbow trout for the public to catch. Devils Creek Reservoir was selected for the plant because there is a minimum water storage agreement in place assuring water for the fish.

Devil's Creek Reservoir has a six fish limit of any size and is easily accessible from Interstate 15 near Malad. Last year this was one of the best fisheries in the region during September and October.

Tags and permits on sale

Hunters can purchase deer and elk tags starting on July 25. Controlled hunt permits for elk, deer and antelope are also on sale.

Lucky hunters who drew controlled hunt permits for elk, deer or antelope must purchase the permits by Aug. 20. After that, the hunt will be forfeited and the permit and tag will go into the "unclaimed pool" and made available on first come, first serve basis beginning Aug. 30.

This change came about because some of the most sought after permits in the state were not being purchased by the successful applicants, a fact that really irks hunters who have put in for years to draw one of these premium hunts. As a matter of fairness the Fish and Game Commission made the change at the January commission meeting.

Will some hunter miss the deadline and be upset? Without a doubt. But each successful hunter was notified of the change on the card they received telling them they drew the hunt they put in for.

Will some hunters who get a precious tags first-come-first-serve be happy? Without a doubt.

A list of unclaimed controlled hunt tags will be posted on the Idaho Fish and Game Web site as soon as possible after Aug. 20.