Minnows

[jbaldwinblkft]

The other day someone told me that IDF&G has recently outlawed the use of fishing with minnows. Reading the regs isn't all that clear because in one place it says you can't use live bait, and then just after that it outlines the size of minnow trap you can use. My best fishing on the Snake River (middle) is mid to late summer using minnows treaded on a long leader and a treble hook. Is this now illegal? Does anyone know?
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[curt69]

You will be alright as long as they are dead .
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[jbaldwinblkft]

Well, I guess the way I use them they are not technically dead. In fact it is a lot more effective if they are just partially dead. When it gets right down to it, by the time I get them out of the bucket and treaded on the line, they are "mostly dead" (Billy Crystal in the movie Princess Bride).
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[Mojo1]

It has always been illegal to use live minnows in Idaho.

You can trap minnows and use them after you kill them. Mostly dead doesn't cut it, sorry.
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[BrianID]

I've used minnows for years. There have been a few places where minnows have not been legal (Big Lost River drainage, Henry's Fork drainage above Mesa Falls, etc). Now it is finally legal to use a larger net to catch minnows. I've used one at Lake Powell in Utah for Shad in the past. I know it would be very effective for shinners and other minnows here in Idaho. I'm going to get it out sometime soon and catch some minnows to fish the Snake.
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[Mojo1]

Brian, Please re-read my post. I said it was illegal to use LIVE minnows in Idaho. It has been for 30+ years that I know of. It has always been legal to use dead minnows.

Yep they work great for catfish, trout, and even sturgeon.
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[duksnfish]

I agree, all of you using minnows should go to the regs, it has been in there for years about not being able to use "live" fish etc. Here is what it says in regs; :[size 1][font "Arial"] [/font] [left][font "Arial"][black][size 2]Use of Bait: [/size][/black][/font][/size][size 1][font "Arial"][black][size 2]It is unlawful to use live fish, leeches, frogs,[/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Arial"][black][size 2]salamanders, waterdogs or shrimp as bait, except that live[/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Arial"][black][size 2]crayfish may be used if caught on the body of water being fished. [/size][/black][/font][/left] [left][font "Arial"][black][size 2][/size][/black][/font] [/left] [left][size 2][black][font "Arial"]Also says the following on catching minnows; "[/font][font "Arial"]All fish so taken must[/font][/black][/size][/left]
[font "Arial"][black][size 2]immediately be killed."[/size][/black][/font][size 1] [left][/size]

[black][font "Arial"][size 3]I know it has more on it but that is just real quick. I know of 2 guys that have been pinched for using live minnows on the snake by firth. Cost em each $150. And dont think that F&G doesnt look at these web sites, cuz they do so your just setting yourself up if you do it and tell it.[/size][/font][/black][/size]
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[windriver]

Live minnows have been illegal as long as I can remember in Idaho. I use minnows to fish certain sections of the Snake and Teton, but I trap them then freeze and kill them. When I need them I pull them out of my freezer so they are definitely dead.

The fish and game does read this forum, but they have never been anything but informative and helpful. They do not come on the forum publicly but they do relay information through some of our members. We have a great relationship with them, and much of the statistical information we get is through their hard work and willingness to share.

Lets use this forum to promote compliance with the law. This is a good forum to help people understand the law without personally attacking them.

The original purpose was to stop the spread of chub minnows. Too late. Most of our trophy waters have chubs in them. I do not know how Montana and Wyoming get away with allowing live bait.

I can not find where there is a restriction against the use of dead minnows above Mesa Falls. I think that restriction was lifted a few years ago. BrianID-are you talking about the no bait in the Box Canyon from the dam down to riverside?

Windriver
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[jbaldwinblkft]

Okay, okay, from this moment on I'm changing my ways! I'll make sure they are totally dead. I posted the "mostly dead" Billy Crystal part sort of in cheek anyway, but that kind of thing doesn't come across well on this kind of medium. Sorry, I didn't want to stir anyone up or make bad karma.
There is an obvious wisdom here on fishing with live minnows. Having people do that is a good way to get unwanted species introduced into waters where they don't belong.
I got back in touch with the guy who told me this in the first place. It was his understanding that F&G was or had considered banning all fishing with minnows. I don't know where he heard it but it doesn't sound like it's really the case.
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[jbaldwinblkft]

Hey windriver, I've tried to figure out the right way of freezing minnows for use later. There are times when trapping minnows is difficult, so having some way to store them would be good. The problem I've had is they go very mushy after they thaw. Do you get the same result?
I had a guy tell me once that he put them in salt to dessicate them somewhat before freezing. He explained that removing some internal moisture from them makes them more likely to hold up during freezing then thawing. Although this sounds plausible, I haven't tried it yet so I don't know. I guess I'm always looking for a better way.
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[windriver]

I freeze mine with water in the bag to keep the oxygen (freezer burn) out. They still get mushy pretty fast.

Windriver
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[BrianID]

mojo1,

Sorry, in my reply I didn't intend to correct anyone. I was just posting a response to no one in general.
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[Mojo1]

No problem Brian. I was just making sure you understood what I was trying to say. My post sounded kinda snotty after I re-read it. I hate the internet because you never know the feelings behind a post. I didn't mean to be a jerk. Just trying to clarify.
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[iliketofish]

So....
Are we allowed to use minnows? jk []
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[BrianID]

No problem. I know you were just trying to explain. I have a thick skin from posting on internet forums for a few years so you are going to really have to try if you want to get under my skin. []
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[jbaldwinblkft]

Well, let me ask a couple more questions. When you fish with them (minnows) how to rig them up?
I've always used a long needle to thread them on about a two foot length of leader, attached to a swivel and a sliding bullet weight. I used to use treble hooks, red ones lately. But because I want to do better and easier catch and release I'm starting to get away from trebles. Any ideas?
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