Fishing in Bear Country

Grizzly bear by JON JACOBS

ISLAND PARK - Situated in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem in the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee's "Primary Conservation Area" for grizzly bears, Island Park is bear country.

Bears, both black and brown, can be found anywhere here, especially along the rivers and creeks. That means people who choose to fish and camp in this area need to know about bears, need to practice safe fishing behaviors, and need to know how to avoid confrontations.

Bears use streams, rivers, and creeks as travel corridors and will frequent these areas. These riparian areas are also great places for bears to find food. Both black bears and grizzlies feed on the vegetation along the bank and shores and both bears catch fish if they can. They love to catch fish as much as we do and spring and fall spawning runs are a major attraction for them. Bears are constantly looking for a good meal and a spawning trout can provide bears with a high-calorie meal loaded with much needed protein.

Responsible anglers in bear country practice safe behaviors while fishing, after fishing, and in camp.

The number one thing we can do is fish with a friend. There is always safety in numbers. You never want to surprise a bear! When travelling to and from your fishing spots or through dense streamside brush, make noise on a regular basis. If bears hear you coming they will likely leave the area because just as we want to avoid bears, bears want to avoid us. Always carry and have bear spray readily available.

Learning to recognize the signs of a bear can help prevent a surprise encounter with a bear, too. Avoid areas that have heavily used trails, fresh tracks, bear scat, diggings, partially eaten fish along the stream bank, and even the strong smell of a carcass. If you find any of these things, make lots of noise, leave the area, and find a different fishing hole for the day.

After fishing, it is best to clean fish along the stream where you can puncture the air bladder and throw the entrails into deep water. Do not toss the entrails on the bank by the stream or in shallow water. A bear will definitely clean up a sloppy fisherman's mess if given the chance. If you must clean your fish away from water, do so 100 yards away from camping areas. Treat fish remains as you would garbage. Burn it completely or pack it out, but never throw fish remains around camp or bury it. Try not to get fish odors on your clothes or waders, but if you do, rinse them thoroughly and put them in a secure place as well. Also while in camp, it is important that you keep your camp clean and all bear at-tractants properly stored, either in a bear-resistant container or hung 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet from any support. Bear-at-tractants include all food and beverages, including canned foods, pop, and beer (opened or unopened), empty coolers, garbage, grease, livestock and pet food, and toiletries. All at-tractants need to be properly stored at night or whenever camps are unattended.

What do we do if we encounter a bear? If you encounter a bear while fishing maintain a safe distance and manner that does not threaten or provoke the bear. Never run away or turn your back to the bear. Instead back away slowly, making sure to keep calm, speak in a low monotone voice, avoid eye contact with bear, and have your bear spray ready. If you cannot get out of the situation without confrontation and a bear charges, stand your ground. The majority of charges are "bluff charges." However, if the bear continues its charge, use your bear spray to try and deter the attack. As a last resort with a black bear attack, fight back. As a last resort with a grizzly play dead, clasp hands behind the neck, roll into a ball, and do not move until the bear is long gone.

Be Safe! Remember these safe fishing behaviors while you are out there this fishing season. Don't let complacency and forgetfulness put you in a dangerous situation with a black bear or a grizzly. Don't forget you can always stop by the local Forest Service Ranger Station to find out about or report any recent bear activity in your area.

Allison McLaughlin

Bear Education Technician

Idaho Fish and Game/US Forest Service (208)520-6759

This is part of the online edition of Henry's Fork Country.

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