Tag: Idaho News

Payette Lake produces new state catch-and-release lake trout — again

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By now, if you follow Idaho Fish and Game’s stringer of record fish stories, you’re well aware that there’s one lake that comes to mind when you mention the words lake trout: Payette Lake. But if not, allow me to bring you up to speed. BRINGING BACK PAYETTE’S LAKE TROUTLake trout (also known as Mackinaw) were introduced into Payette Lake in 1955. These long-lived predators can survive for more than 40 years, grow beyond 40 inches in length, and exceed 50 pounds. As the stocked fish matured, the trophy fishery gained popularity. During the 1990s, it wasn’t uncommon for anglers to catch multiple lake trout over 15 pounds and occasionally fish exceeding 30 pounds in a single day.

By the early 2000s, lake trout abundance had increased dramatically, but there was a tradeoff. Overabundance of lake trout meant fewer food resources, leading to thin and undernourished lake trout that still reached decent lengths but more closely resembled eels than trophy freshwater fish. This also meant big declines in the kokanee population, the lake trout’s main diet. By 2014, fisheries managers recognized that action was needed. They began reducing the number of smaller lake trout to lessen predation on kokanee, but released trophy-sized fish. This increased kokanee survival and made more food available for the remaining trophy lake trout.

And the results paid off. Since 2018, staff have removed approximately 3,100 lake trout from Payette Lake, averaging roughly 445 fish per year. The condition of lake trout has also recovered, with Payette Lake producing five catch-and-release state records since 2016.

ACTUALLY, MAKE THAT SIX

Normally, we’re lucky to highlight one record fish per fishery per year, but again, if you’ve been following the Fish and Game newswire this summer, you might recall seeing Payette Lake in the headlines already this summer. Dylan Smith, the lucky Idaho Falls angler who caught a 43.25-inch laker back on May 2, barely had time to show off his crown to his friends. Pencils have erasers, thank goodness, because on July 8 of this year, Kim Anderson pulled out a 44-inch lake trout from none other than Payette Lake, earning himself the new state catch and release record. Anderson’s fish is now the third record in the last two years.

Source: Payette Lake produces new state catch-and-release lake trout — again | Northwest | idahostatejournal.com

But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.
Luke 6:27-28

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Idaho Transgender Bathroom Bill Is the Strictest in the Nation and Likely Veto-Proof

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Idaho lawmakers passed a sweeping bathroom ban Friday, approving legislation that would make it a crime for transgender people to use the bathroom that matches their gender identity, even inside privately owned businesses. If Republican Gov. Brad Little signs the bill, Idaho will have the strictest bathroom ban in the nation, subjecting people to time behind bars if they knowingly enter a bathroom, locker room or changing area that does not correspond with their sex assigned at birth.

Source: Idaho Transgender Bathroom Bill Is the Strictest in the Nation and Likely Veto-Proof

For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Romans 10:10

Idaho State Legislature Passed HOUSE BILL 752; Making it a Crime for a Male to Use a Female Bathroom

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Idaho House Bill 752 is a proposed law that aims to restrict restroom and changing room access based on biological sex.

Key Provisions

  • Criminalization: The bill makes it a misdemeanor for individuals to enter restrooms or changing rooms designated for the opposite biological sex in public places.
  • Penalties: A second offense within five years could escalate to a felony, punishable by up to five years in prison.
  • Exceptions: There are exceptions for custodial work, medical or law enforcement assistance, emergencies, and single-user facilities.

Source: HOUSE BILL 752 – Idaho State Legislature

Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, And whose hope is the LORD. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, Which spreads out its roots by the river, And will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, And will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor will cease from yielding fruit.
Jeremiah 17:7-8

Maryland State Police intern helps rescue injured bald eagle from roadway

A Maryland State Police intern found himself on an incredible, unexpected assignment this week.  The department posted two photos on social media Friday, showing Centreville Barrack intern Jackson Roach holding a bald eagle.  State police said Roach joined Trooper A. Setter and an off-duty law enforcement officer in removing the injured bird from the area…

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F-16 fighter jet crashes in residential area in northern Michigan

A U.S. F-16 fighter jet pilot safely ejected before the aircraft crashed in northern Michigan on Thursday afternoon, officials said. The incident occurred in Grand Traverse County when the jet “experienced an incident” during a routine training mission, a spokesperson for the Texas Military Department said. Michael Kroll, spokesperson for the Michigan Department of Military…

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Firefighters reunite with dog they rescued from Pasadena house fire

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