| Fate
of annual Women With Bait Fishing Tournament at risk
The City of Riggins is reeling after the Idaho Department of Fish and Game announced they were canceling the steelhead fishing season indefinitely after Idaho Rivers United and other environmental groups threatened to sue. Now, Rich Friend the CEO of River Adventures, a fishing and jet boat tour company based in Riggins, is calling on Idaho’s congressional delegation to do whatever they can to help reinstate Idaho’s steelhead fishing season. “My business and ability to support myself and my family are on the line, literally,” said Friend. “Without a robust steelhead fishing season, the economy in Riggins and surrounding communities is in big trouble. Each year, hundreds look forward to the Women With Bait tournament, a major boost to the Riggins economy. Without the ability to fish, we lose this event and the economic shot in the arm we count on each year to sustain our community.” Friend says it’s not just fishing and tour companies who miss out on the revenue fishing brings. The loss of steelhead fishing will be felt at gas stations, hotels, restaurants and, when residents start to experience lower incomes, other businesses in the community will feel the effects. Without steelhead fishing, the Riggins economy will take a financial hit. Friend has sent a letter to Idaho’s congressional delegation asking lawmakers to raise awareness about this issue and do whatever they can in Washington, D.C. to help right this wrong. “I hope by reaching out to our elected officials, they can intervene in this process,” said Friend. “Idaho Rivers United is holding my livelihood hostage – along with everyone else who depends on the steelhead fishing season to make a living. I want to be part of the steelhead conservation solution, but filing lawsuits that hurt Idaho families is not the answer. I urge lawmakers to press NOAA Fisheries to complete Idaho’s long overdue permit so the fishing season can be reinstated.” |
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