Fish salvage order issued for two southeast Idaho reservoirs

Idaho Fish and Game has issued a salvage order for two southeast Idaho water bodies: Lamont and Johnson Reservoirs in Franklin County. This salvage order is effective from Sept. 8 through Dec. 31, 2026.

During the salvage order timeline at Lamont and Johnson Reservoirs:

• Fish may be taken by any method except use of firearms, explosives, chemicals, or electric current.
  
• All bag, possession, size, and limits, including the number of rods, are suspended.
  
• A valid Idaho fishing license is still required.
  
• No live fish may be transported from the reservoirs.
  
• As per Consolidated Irrigation Company rules, watercraft use is limited to fishing vessels only. All watercraft must have been inspected for aquatic invasive species within the previous five days by the Idaho State Department of Agriculture and present proof of their recent inspection in their vehicle window or upon request.

The Consolidated Irrigation Company is draining the reservoirs to serve irrigation needs. The reservoirs' water levels are decreasing rapidly and are anticipated to drain by Sept. 20 this year. Fish will not survive when water levels in the reservoirs become unsuitable; therefore, an order of salvage is warranted to maximize public use of these fish. The reservoirs are expected to begin filling again starting Jan. 1, 2027.

Winder Reservoir, also in Franklin County, was placed under salvage last month with its order expiring Oct. 31, 2026.

For more information about salvage orders in the Southeast Region, contact the Fish and Game office in Pocatello at 208-232-4703.