New fishing regulations in effect
by Wyoming Game & Fish
April 29, 2012
Anglers in western Wyoming are reminded that several major changes to the state’s fishing regulations are now in effect.
The statewide daily creel limit for streams is now three trout with no more than one trout to exceed 16 inches. The past regulation of only one cutthroat trout over 12 inches remains in effect as well. Another statewide regulation change is a reduction of the mountain whitefish limit from 25 to 6 fish per day.
The new statewide daily creel for lakes and reservoirs allows up to six trout of any size. One exception applies to brook trout, which will have a general daily creel limit of 16 brook trout of any size. Another exception involves lake trout, which will have a creel limit of six, with only one over 24 inches. The lake trout creel limit applies to streams as well, including the Snake River at the outlet of Jackson Lake Dam.
A couple Union Pass lakes north of Pinedale have been added to the special regulation waters to protect trophy brook trout populations. Rock Crib and Wagon Creek Lakes now have a creel limit of six brook trout per day or in possession.
Another change for most Snake River tributary streams in the Jackson area is a move to close these waters December 1 rather than the current November 1 closure date. There are some exceptions to this, including Flat Creek, which will maintain a November 1 closure date.
"The Dec. 1 closure is consistent with local big game winter range closures," said Jackson Fish Supervisor, Rob Gipson. "Also, with a fishing license included in the purchase of a full price elk license, we feel this would provide elk hunters some additional opportunity with no biological impact to fish populations." The Snake River proper will remain open to catch & release fishing from November 1 through March 31.
There is a new closure on LaBarge Creek that prohibits fishing within 500 feet, both above and below, of the fish barrier. The barrier was put in to allow restoration of the upper part of the drainage to native Colorado River cutthroat trout. Also, the closure date at Meadow Lake north of Pinedale has changed from April 1 to May 1.
Another noted change in 2012 involves the removal of age restrictions on both the Spring Creek channel near Cokeville and Flat Creek through the town of Jackson. These waters are now open to anglers of all ages.
Fishing regulations are reviewed every two years with changes occurring at the start of even numbered years. It is always a good idea to check the regulations prior to fishing, but it is particularly important to check for any changes at the beginning of an even numbered year. All changes to the fishing regulations are listed in blue type in the new regulations booklet.
Regulations are available at Game and Fish offices, license agents, or online at the Game and Fish website at: http://wgfd.wyo.gov/web2011/fishing-1000428.aspx. Anglers are also reminded that their fishing license can be purchased through the WGFD website. For more information about angling in western Wyoming call the Jackson Game and Fish office at 307-733-2321 or 1-800-423-4113 (in-state only) or the Pinedale office at 307-367-4353 or 1-800-452-9107 (in-state only).
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