FS Digest

Hey all! I am looking for your advice or opinions on how to interpret what the defining line is between public and private water. I am more interested in those with CO experience. Walk wading as well, rather than floating because thats a whole other can of worms.

For example, i like to fish the Eagle. Those who have fished it have seen the signs marking private and public water. On the opposite bank is another sign, either up or down river. Would you draw a line between the two signs and be sure not to cadt beyond that line? Or, would you cosider visial sight of the sign as the point that you stop moving up, or down river?

Any thought on this are appreciated! Thanks!

Edit: in addition to the question above, would anyone here know where I can get hold of some maps that clearly mark public and private water?

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by bhinsz1984

Shutupandfish Loc: Transplanted roots back to Wyoming

https://eagleoutside.com/explore/river/fish/eagle_river/ Has map marking public water just hit public icon
Looks like CO still a mess on water access or right to float debates
I’d guess to this side of the first sign on either side, it could be the marking of the landowner on one side and the sign on the other side marking where another landowner starts, to play it safe. If same landowner then line from one sign to the other

Jeremy Loc: America

I am amazed how controlling people can be. You finally have enough to buy a waterfront place ( public locations if on water in navigable waterway ) then spend all your effort to keep people OFF MY LAND. Seems to me need to go buy some sand in middle of NOWHERE where nobody would ever want to exist if don't want anyone around.

Shutupandfish Loc: Transplanted roots back to Wyoming

Rivers should be to high water mark at most, if you can float a canoe down it it’s a navigable river and public property

OJdidit Loc: Oak Creek Wisconsin

I believe it is the same here. As long as it is navigable, and your feet are wet it is open for fishing/hunting. I believe there used to be a 3’ right of way to allow folks to get around snags, downed trees and waterfalls for safety. You just had to re-enter the water as soon as it was safe to do so. I will double check to see if these rules are still current and get back to you.

Huntm22 Loc: Northern Utah. - West Haven

It’s a big can’o’worms here in Utah. Many lawsuits going on right now. Right now if you even touch a rock protruding out of the water you are trespassing. All rocks, river bottoms belong to the landowner - only the water itself is public. It’s a mess and buddies have gotten trespassing fines for touching a boulder sticking out of the water. Gets worse later in the year when the water goes down.

Shutupandfish Loc: Transplanted roots back to Wyoming

Looked at Colorado, it is worse they are allowing the owning of the river

Huntm22 Loc: Northern Utah. - West Haven

So if they want to divert all the water on their land they can? That doesn’t make sense. Do They own the air above their land! Getting ridiculously out of hand.