CBW556 Loc: WA

Questions about what’s open, what’s closed, what gear you can use, what fish you can keep?

All your answers are found in your state regulations.

Read them.

Want clarification?

Ask your state.

I’ll be happy to give you my opinion, but you know what they say about opinions….

DC Loc: Washington state

I agree but it sure would be nice if they would make things simpler so one doesn't have to flip back and forth between the general regulations, the specific regulations, and the definition of terms and then check the web site for any changes. people who fish regularly a particular body of water in general have it figured out but someone new to fishing or the area can easily get confused especially by the different regulations and seasons on the same river

CBW556 Loc: WA

The correct answers are not found on a forum such as this.

The correct answers lie with the Game Warden.

I’ve seen too many guys get busted because “…that guy told me…” was their excuse to said Game Warden.

A quick phone call > Asking on an Internet forum.

Ted A Loc: Eastern Washington

You are correct to some extent. The correct answers are always in the regs. and emergency rules.

A game warden may not always be up to date or may see a situation from a different point of view;. I experienced this last spring with a friend who was under attack from the game warden. The warden was incorrect in this situation as I know because I was there all the time prior to the warden showing up. My friend eventually prevailed.

DC Loc: Washington state

a quick phone call if there is someone there to answer the phone and if the person that answers the phone knows what they are talking about and if you happen to be in a place that has cell service when you have the question. the regs should be simple enough to understand by someone new to the sport or new to the area and any changes during the season should be less restrictive not more so if a person is following the written regs they will always be legal

charlykilo Loc: Garden Valley Ca

Your best chance of getting the correct answer is the state web site.

DC Loc: Washington state

I asked a game Warden a question about a rule that on one side of a line that separated two areas you could only keep hatchery fish but on the other side you could also keep non hatchery fish. and sometimes due to current or wind you would hook up on one side of the line and land it on the other side because your boat drifted. so my question was do you go by where you hook the fish or where you land it? his answer was it would be up to the discretion of the game Warden at the time. in other words he did have an answer. I exspected him to say which ever side is more restrictive which is what I always went by not take your chances and hope the game Warden agrees with you at the time

Barnacles Loc: Northern California

Here in California (and probably in most states, for that matter) you just about have to have an attorney read and interpret the regs for you!

Papa Jack Loc: Indianapolis

Good advice

ranger632 Loc: Near Yosemite Park Ca.

Yes we all have one and they stink

ranger632 Loc: Near Yosemite Park Ca.

Amend brother

ranger632 Loc: Near Yosemite Park Ca.

So very true,

nutz4fish Loc: Colchester, CT

Yeah, everybody's got one ........just like *******z.

nutz4fish Loc: Colchester, CT

DC.... Not tryin' to be a contrarian here: but at least in my state, changes made during the season can be more restrictive. This year, they didn't publish a copy ( hard copy ) at all, due to a late Legislative session that finalized the rules, or so they explained it to me. I realize many or most anglers have a phone they could use to research this stuff, but you gotta be very cautious, or you might get yourself in hot water.
A few years back, I had some questions about using several native non- game fish as bait. Got two different interpretations from Game Wardens ( called environmental police here ).
So I visited a regional office and they were super cooperative and actually called an e.p. in from the field to speak to me personally.
Still didn't get a conclusive answer, but they were putting in maximum effort, which I appreciated.
Finally, I emailed the Manager of the Fisheries Division of the states Dept. of Environment and Energy, and the NEXT DAY, he responded with a definitive answer. They did a great job even if I had to be
very persistent.
I was shocked, but gratified that the guy at the top was so accommodating.
The lesson here is.... don't just blow this type of stuff off. Keep after it until you have the information you need to be in compliance with the regulations.

Sport Loc: Sacramento county north. California

Hi Charly, I'm not crazy about our new paperless regs. Particularly the upland game/ waterfowl. Can't find 22/23. How're you doing with it? I must be missing something.