PRESTON – The Idaho Department of Fish and Game has issued fish salvage orders for Lamont and Johnson reservoirs in Franklin County because of rapidly declining water levels.
The salvage orders are in effect through Dec. 31, 2026.
The Consolidated Irrigation Company, which owns the two reservoirs, is draining them to meet irrigation needs for local farmers and ranchers. Water levels are expected to decline rapidly, with the reservoirs anticipated to be drained by Sept. 20.
Fish are not expected to survive once water levels become unsuitable. The salvage orders are intended to maximize public use of the fish before the reservoirs are drained. The reservoirs are expected to begin filling again Jan. 1, 2027.
Under the salvage orders:
- Fish may be taken by any method except firearms, explosives, chemicals or electric current.
- All bag, possession and size limits, as well as restrictions on the number of fishing rods, are suspended.
- A valid Idaho fishing license is still required.
- Live fish may not be transported from the reservoirs.
- Under Consolidated Irrigation Company rules, watercraft are limited to fishing vessels.
- All watercraft must have been inspected for aquatic invasive species by the Idaho State Department of Agriculture within the previous five days. Proof of the inspection must be displayed in the vehicle window or provided upon request.
Winder Reservoir was the first waterbody in Franklin County to receive a salvage order this year. That order was issued last month and remains in effect through Oct. 31, 2026.
Jenifer Jackson, an Idaho Fish and Game spokesperson, said irrigation companies notify the agency when they plan to lower reservoir levels.
“This is what happens when an irrigation company knows they are going to drop their water levels for fish to survive,” Jackson said. “They will inform us and we put out the word to salvage what fish we can.”
Irrigation companies own the water rights and allow Idaho Fish and Game to stock fish in their reservoirs.
“The irrigation companies are great to work with us, and they allow access to their reservoirs,” Jackson said. “They let us know when they are draining the water. The irrigation companies are good to give us a heads up.”
Jackson said anglers who salvage fish are expected to follow the individual rules established by each irrigation company.
“Fishermen should look at the rules before they salvage the fish,” she said.
For more information about salvage orders in the Southeast Region, contact the Idaho Fish and Game office in Pocatello at 208-232-4703.