Idaho Fish and Game officials have submitted a revised proposal In the light of tough economic times, Idaho Fish and Game has scaled back a proposed revenue increase to an overall 15 percent instead of 20 percent.

So far four Chinook salmon have been counted at the Bonneville Dam on the Columbia River, but all were headed downstream.

Still, the early forecast is a for a good Chinook fishing season in Idaho this year.

"We're confident that enough Chinook will return to Idaho this spring for a mid-to-late April season opening," anadromous fish manager Pete Hassemer told the Idaho Fish and Game Commission Wednesday, January 28.

Salmon anglers are encouraged to provide their comments on the upcoming salmon fishing season by attending any of five Idaho Department of Fish and Game public meetings scheduled throughout the Lewiston area.

Regional fishery personnel will provide a brief overview of prior seasons, especially the 2008 season; review factors related to 2009 projected Chinook salmon returns, and explain fishery constraints that Fish and Game operates within.

Anglers are encouraged to provide their comments on potential rule changes for the 2011-12 fishing season.

Rules include equipment restrictions such as the type or size of hook that could be used, or the use of bait. They do not include seasons, bag limits or size limits.

Comments are being sought early because the rule changes must have legislative authorization.

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game has scheduled a "State of the Lake Meeting" to discuss the status of the Lake Pend Oreille fishery.

The meeting will be held from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, February 21, at the Sandpoint Community Center. The meeting will provide an update of the fishery recovery efforts that have been under way since 2000 and to answer questions from the public. All persons interested in the status of fish populations in the lake are encouraged to attend.

The application period ends Sunday, February 15.

Hunters have about a week left to apply for this spring's controlled turkey and bear hunts.

Spring turkey and spring black bear seasons start April 15 - some controlled hunts open later. Leftover tags for spring turkey and bear controlled hunts go on sale April 1.

Hunters may apply for controlled hunts at any hunting and fishing license vendor, Fish and Game office; with a credit card by calling 1-800-55HUNT5 or 1-800-824-3729; or online at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov. The application fee is $6.25 per person. An additional fee is charged for telephone and Internet applications.

A recent Associated Press news story recently included misleading information about the effects of wolf predation on elk numbers in Idaho.

Elk are managed in 29 zones. In most of those zones, elk numbers are within management objectives. In a few, the numbers are above objectives, and in three zones, numbers are below the objectives.

Plan now to attend a Sportsman's Breakfast at Trudy's Kitchen in Idaho City hosted by Idaho Fish and Game.

The breakfast will be from 8 to 10 a.m. Friday, February 27, 2009, at the restaurant at 3876 Highway 21, Idaho City.

Q. I applied for a spring turkey controlled hunt. When will I know if I draw?

A. Successful applicants for spring turkey and bear hunts will be notified by postcard by March 10. You can also check your status through the Idaho Fish and Game Website in March. It is the responsibility of hunters to find out whether they were successful in the controlled hunt drawing.

Check out our new Fly Fishing Reports and Website at: Idaho flyfisher.com