If you are one of the many anglers who participated in the 2025 Kootenai River Angler Science Program, thank you for investing time and energy into the program. Information collected by all of you will help Idaho Fish and Game manage the burbot fishery in the Kootenai River.
Reminder to turn in Kootenai River Angler Science Program packets by April 15 for a chance to win prizes!
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Fish and Game is reminding burbot fisherman on the Kootenai River to turn in their Angler Science Program packets by April 15
Turn in creel packets by April 15
The peak of burbot fishing has come and gone, so make sure to turn in your completed Angler Science Program packet by April 15 for a chance to win some great prizes! Packets can be turned in at the Fish and Game Panhandle Region Office, Far North in Bonners Ferry or North 40 Outfitters in Ponderay.
Remember, you didn’t have to catch any burbot to be eligible for the raffle, but you did need to participate in the fishery, fill out a logbook, a contact card and turn in your packet by the April 15 deadline. Although Fish and Game hopes anglers will catch a burbot on every outing, it’s just as important to hear about the trips for which no burbot were caught.
If you’d like more information about the Angler Science Program and the raffle prizes that will be given away for participating, check out this story.
Have you ever wondered where that burbot you caught came from, or how old it is? New this year, by participating in the Angler Science Program and turning in your packet on time, Fish and Game will provide those answers for every burbot you caught and turned in a genetic sample!
Other important reminders
If you caught a burbot with a tag in its back this year, please report the tag if you haven’t already! By reporting tags, you are helping Fish and Game better understand burbot catch rates, harvest rates and survival rates, which helps with managing the fishery.
You can report the tag number and location of where you caught the fish to Fish and Game. Reporting can be done over the phone (1-866-258-0338), online or as part of the Angler Science Program creel packet.
For more information or if you have questions, please contact the Panhandle Regional office.
You can also follow the Panhandle Region Facebook page to get regular news and updates.