North 40 Fly Shop eMagazine February 2016 | Page 43

Lewensky studies the
Coeur d’Alene River WCT
populations to evaluate the
response of the new special
regulations. He finds that
the new regulations had no
detectable effect on trout
abundance, reproduction,
mortality rates, or fishing
success. Lewnsky reports
that non-compliance was
high and significant enough
to limit WCT populations. A
recent conversation between
Horner and Lewnsky reveals
that within two weeks of the
opening of the trout season,
all surplus WCT were gone.

Bowler studies the WCT
populations above the
confluence of the South Fork
of the Coeur d’Alene River. He
finds a depressed cutthroat
population and recommend
trophy regulations be put
into effect. He chooses
trophy regulations due to
the public’s desire to harvest
some fish. A 3 fish limit with
none being under 16" is
established.

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1973-75

Today

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1980-81

The entire Coeur d’Alene
River system has an
acceptable level of WCT,
including fish over 20 inches.

1984

The Coeur d’Alene River
is placed under catch and
release regulations. Ponds
alongside the river are
used for catch and keep of
rainbow trout.