2023 Fishing Regulations - 25

S TAT E W I D E R E G U L AT I O N S
Any person transporting any watercraft that within the past thirty
(30) days has been in contact with a water known or suspected to contain
zebra or quagga mussels shall have the watercraft inspected by
an authorized inspector prior to launching regardless of time of year.
All persons transporting a motorized or nonmotorized watercraft
shall stop at aquatic invasive species check stations that are established
on their route of travel. As part of all inspections, all compartments,
equipment, and containers that may hold water, including, but
not limited to, live wells, ballast and bilge areas shall be completely
drained as directed by authorized inspectors.
Any person who refuses to permit inspection of their watercraft
or refuses to complete any required removal and disposal of aquatic
invasive species shall be prohibited from allowing the watercraft to
contact any waters of this state and the watercraft will be subject
to impoundment until an aquatic invasive species inspection and
decontamination is completed.
All watercraft owners or operators that have not paid the aquatic
invasive species program fee as part of the motorized watercraft
registration fee, shall purchase and display an aquatic invasive
species program decal valid for the current calendar year prior to
contacting any waters of this state. Purchase of this decal shall be
evidenced by an aquatic invasive species program decal properly
affixed to the watercraft. Owners of multiple non-motorized watercraft
may transfer valid decals between their own non-motorized
watercraft, however, each non-motorized watercraft shall display a
valid decal while contacting any of the waters of this state. Proof
of decal purchase may be used in lieu of a properly affixed decal
for up to fifteen (15) days from date of purchase. All non-motorized
inflatable watercraft ten (10) feet in length or less, all solid and inflatable
paddleboards regardless of length, and all devices defined as
water sport toys are exempt from this decal provision.
Visit the Aquatic Invasive Species website at wgfd.wyo.gov/AIS
for detailed regulations and to determine if your watercraft requires
a decal, purchase a decal, find inspection locations and dates and
hours of operation, and to find a list of U.S. waters known or suspected
to contain zebra and quagga mussels.
Transportation of Live Fish
No person shall transport live fish or live fish eggs from the water
of capture, except as provided by Commission regulations or as
authorized by the Department. This includes transporting live fish in
the live well of a fishing boat that has been removed from the water.
Tagging or Marking Fish
No person shall tag or mark fish and release them into the waters
of this state without prior written approval from the Department.
Closure of Fish Holding Facilities
All fish rearing and retaining ponds used by the state including those
located at state fish hatcheries, or any that may be constructed elsewhere,
are closed to fishing throughout the calendar year. Temporary
facilities at spawning station sites are closed to fishing during the
time they are in use by the Department.
Winter Closures
Some waters that are open to fishing are not accessible due to other
land use restrictions. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department and
US Forest Service have seasonal closures to protect wintering big
game herds. Be sure to check with the appropriate land management
agency before planning a winter trip.
Bait Regulations
Seining and Trapping of Fish
Seining and trapping licenses (hereafter referred to as seining license)
for the purpose of taking baitfish may be obtained from Department
Regional Offices or from the Cheyenne Headquarters. No person shall
seine, net, trap or spear baitfish without first obtaining a valid seining
license. A valid seining license is required when using a seine, net,
trap or spear to take baitfish, even those that will be used as dead bait.
No person shall have more than one (1) seining license each calendar
year.
Seining or trapping and use of baitfish shall only be done as
specified in regulations for each drainage area. Locations where
baitfish may be obtained, possessed and used shall be specified
on the seining license.
Legal gear for taking baitfish includes seines, traps, cast nets,
umbrella nets and dip nets. There are no restrictions on the size of
mesh or net size for cast nets, umbrella nets or dip nets. Collection
gear shall be hand operated.
2023 WYOMING FISHING REGULATIONS
23
http://wgfd.wyo.gov/AIS
2023 Fishing Regulations

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of 2023 Fishing Regulations
