TWIN FALLS, Idaho — Rick Wentworth is no stranger to the Idaho Power fish tag program. Having fished throughout southern Idaho his entire life as well as having worked for Idaho Power for 15 years, he has reeled in his fair share of tagged rainbow trout and reported the tag information to Idaho Power. But he certainly didn’t expect that his seventh tag would finally be the $1,000 winner.
Wentworth, who lives in Twin Falls, was fishing with his oldest son and a friend at Bell Rapids this winter when he landed the winning trout. “I love being able to get out, even in the winter,” said Wentworth. “And those warm springs flowing into the Bell Rapids area prevent the water from freezing.”
As he had done previously, Wentworth recorded the number on the tag before releasing the fish back into the river. Once home, he called in and provided the required information.
“I’ve been fishing that area for years with just corn, bringing in nice, big rainbow trout,” said Wentworth. “I really was surprised when an Idaho Power biologist called me back saying I had won the reward.”
Idaho Power annually stocks the Snake River between Shoshone Falls and C.J. Strike dam with rainbow trout to support sport fishing. Some of these stocked fish are fitted with a metal jaw tag prior to release. Anglers like Wentworth play a crucial role by reporting their catches, helping researchers assess the program’s success while earning a chance to win $1,000 in the annual drawing.
Wentworth knew just what to do with his windfall. “I’m a crazy fisherman and started fishing with my dad when I was a year old. I fish all the local reservoirs, so of course I bought a little fishing gear, some lures,” while also covering post-Christmas expenses.
Although he hasn’t returned to Bell Rapids since, he still fishes weekly and is planning an annual friends and family fishing event on the Snake River.
“It’s one of my passions in life, and I really appreciate Idaho Power and that they have this program.”
To learn more about the program and what to do if you catch a tagged trout, visit idahopower.com/recreation.
About Idaho Power
Idaho Power, headquartered in vibrant and fast-growing Boise, Idaho, has been a locally operated energy company since 1916. Today, it serves a 24,000-square-mile area in Idaho and Oregon. The company’s goal to provide 100% clean energy by 2045 builds on its long history as a clean-energy leader that provides reliable service at affordable prices. With 17 low-cost hydroelectric projects at the core of its diverse energy mix, Idaho Power’s residential, business, and agricultural customers pay among the nation’s lowest prices for electricity. Its 2,100 employees proudly serve more than 630,000 customers with a culture of safety first, integrity always, and respect for all.
IDACORP Inc. (NYSE: IDA), Idaho Power’s independent publicly traded parent company, is also headquartered in Boise, Idaho. To learn more, visit idahopower.com or idacorpinc.com.
Contact:
Brad Bowlin
Communications Specialist
Idaho Power
bbowlin@idahopower.com
208-388-2803