Copyright Coeur d'Alene Press
Idaho Fish and Game is calling on local anglers in the Panhandle Region to help support the state’s premier trophy rainbow trout fishery in Lake Pend Oreille — and have a chance to win prizes in the process. Through the 2025 Lake Pend Oreille Angler Science Program, anglers can contribute valuable data to fisheries management while enjoying time on the water and earning rewards for their participation. Lake Pend Oreille continues to produce more rainbow trout over 20 pounds than anywhere else on Earth, making it a destination fishery for anglers. To ensure this world-class fishery remains healthy and productive, Fish and Game biologists collect monitoring data to track population trends and angler success. But traditional survey methods only tell part of the story — and that’s where anglers can make a difference. The Lake Pend Oreille Angler Science Program partners with the fishing community to gather information that helps biologists better understand rainbow trout catch rates, harvest and survival. Participants primarily contribute by recording catch data in logbooks and reporting tagged fish. To date, angler participation has provided valuable insights. For example, the catch rate of rainbow trout greater than 32 inches in 2024 was twice as high compared to 2023, and rainbow trout over 25 inches represented 50% of the total catch. “Anglers play a critical role in helping us understand and sustain the trophy trout fishery on Lake Pend Oreille,” said Andy Dux, regional fishery manager for Fish and Game’s Panhandle Region. “The information they provide directly informs our management decisions and ensures future generations can enjoy the same world-class fishing opportunities.” To thank anglers for their contributions, all participants in the Angler Science Program will receive a custom Lyman lure and sticker and will be entered into a free raffle with opportunities to win high-quality gear, including: Yeti Tundra 75 coolers, portable Buddy heaters, Okuma Coldwater line counter reels, Okuma SST medium-action rods, custom-engraved Buck knives, Work Sharp electric knife sharpeners, custom Yeti tumblers, trucker hats, beanies, T-shirts and hoodies Anglers must record fishing information while targeting rainbow trout on Lake Pend Oreille during periods that align with local fishing derbies. Logbooks are included with the purchase of derby tickets. The Lake Pend Oreille Angler’s Club Fall Derby runs Oct. 29 to Nov. 2 and the Lake Pend Oreille Idaho Club’s Thanksgiving Derby runs Nov. 22–30. Completed logbooks must be submitted by Dec. 10 to qualify for the free raffle. For anglers not participating in a derby, free logbooks are available at the Panhandle Regional Office, 2885 W. Kathleen Ave., Coeur d’Alene. Full program details can be found on the Fish and Game website at tinyurl.com/4aj2e2u9. Idaho Fish and Game is also conducting a tagging study to better understand rainbow trout dynamics. Tags are located on the backs of fish and include a unique number, phone number, website and — on select tags — a reward value. Reward tags are worth $25, $50, $100 or $200. Anglers who catch a tagged trout are asked to report the tag number and capture location to Fish and Game. Participation is free, and every data point submitted helps biologists make informed management decisions. For more information about the Lake Pend Oreille Angler Science Program, contact the Panhandle Regional Office at 208-769-1414 or visit the Fish and Game website. Follow the Panhandle Region Facebook page for ongoing program updates and fisheries news. Fish and Game’s mission is to preserve, protect, perpetuate and manage Idaho’s wildlife resources. The department works closely with anglers, trappers, hunters and the public to ensure sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities for future generations. T.J. Ross is a regional communications manager for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game's Panhandle Region.
