Fishing Trip Turns into Cash Prize for One Hagerman Dad and His Daughter

HAGERMAN, Idaho (KLIX) — A fishing trip turned into more than a filled creel for one Hagerman dad and his 15-year-old daughter after they caught trout at the boats docks at Lower Salmon Falls Reservoir.

Scott Reali took his daughter fishing one cool day in January, but things warmed up after several of the fish they caught were jaw-tagged by Idaho Power Co. and potentially worth a cash prize. To be exact, one of the tags netted the daddy-daughter fishing duo $1,000.

“I’ll use some of the money to pay for my daughter’s driver’s-ed classes,” Reali said in a prepared statement by Idaho Power. “And I’ll probably get some new fishing tackle.”

According to the news release issued Thursday, Idaho Power stocks thousands of pan-sized rainbow trout in the middle Snake River each spring and fall. Some of those fish have jaw tags. Anglers are asked to call 1-800-388-6011 to report their catch, along with where and when the tagged fish were caught. In return for the information, anglers have the chance to win a cash prize.

The stocking program helps the company satisfy requirements under federal licenses to operate hydroelectric dams on the Snake River.

“The jaw-tag program helps Idaho Power and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game keep tabs on how many fish are being caught and where,” Idaho Power Biologist Ben Reingold said.

Visit the website to learn more about Idaho Power Co.’s jaw-tagged fish.