Wyo. Code R. 040-0001-46
Effective Date: 09/03/1999 to 08/24/2001
Rule Type: Superceded Rules & Regulations
Reference Number: 040.0001.46.09031999
Section 1. Authority. These regulations are promulgated by authority of W. S., §23-1-302, §23-2-206, §23-3-201, §23-3-202, and §23-4-103.
Section 2. Effective Date. These regulations are effective January 1, 2000 and shall remain in effect until modified or rescinded by the Commission.
Section 3. Definitions. For the purpose of these regulations, definitions shall be as set forth in Title 23, Wyoming Statutes, and the Commission also adopts the following definitions:
(a) 'Artificial Flies and Lures' means manmade flies and lures. Artificial lures include spoons, spinners and plugs made of metal, plastic, wood and other non-edible materials, or plastic products made to resemble worms, eggs, fish and other aquatic organisms. Artificial flies includes flies, streamers, jigs, and poppers tied from such materials as thread, feathers, hair and tinsel. Artificial flies and lures does not include living or dead organisms or edible parts thereof, natural or prepared organic food stuffs, or chemical attractants.
(b) 'Artificial Light' means any man-made light or lighting device.
(c) 'Bait' means living or dead organisms or edible parts thereof, natural or prepared organic food, and chemical attractants used in the taking of fish.
(d) 'Bait Fish' means nongame fish.
(e) 'Creel Limit' means the number of game fish a person may take during any one (1) day, or have in possession.
(f) 'Dates' means the dates mentioned are inclusive.
(g) 'Day' means calendar day.
(h) 'Drainage' means the river or stream proper and the area of land, including all streams and standing waters, which drains into that river or stream.
(i) 'Fishing Contest' means any event for catching game fish from waters open to public use where an entry or participation fee of ten dollars ($10.00) or more is charged per angler, fifty (50) or more anglers participate on a given date, or total prizes exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000) in cash or merchandise are awarded.
(j) 'Game Fish' means:
Pylodictis);
xiii) freshwater drum (GENUS Aplodinotus).
(k) 'Hook' means a single hooked device or bait regardless of the number of prongs.
(l) 'Lawful Spear Guns' means hand-powered, rubber-band powered, or pneumatic powered spear guns.
(m) 'Length' means the total length of a fish in inches, as measured in a straight line along a flat surface, from the tip of the snout to the tip of the tail.
(n) 'Lure' means a single hooked device regardless of the number of hooks.
(o) 'Nongame fish' means all fish not defined as game fish.
(p) 'Possession limit' means the maximum number of game fish that may legally be in possession. Game fish in transit or storage shall be considered in possession.
(q) 'Prize' means any award including but not limited to cash, merchandise, coupons, trophies or any other items of value.
(r) 'Snagging' means attempting to take a fish in a manner that the fish does not take the hook voluntarily in its mouth.
(s) 'Special Winter Ice Fishing Regulation' means a regulation promulgated for the ice covered period for specific waters.
(a) Fishing is permitted year-round twenty-four (24) hours a day in any of the waters in the State except as specifically prescribed otherwise by the Commission for some particular area, stream, lake, or portion thereof. Exceptions are listed with the regulations for each drainage area in Sections 18, 24, 28, 32, and 37.
(b) Waters included under the 'Special Winter Ice Fishing Regulation' are listed with the regulations for those drainage areas in Sections 24, 28, and 37.
(a) Except as otherwise provided, fish shall only be taken or fished for with a maximum of two (2) rods or poles, with lines and hooks attached and the angler in attendance. No line may have more than three (3) single hooked devices attached.
(b) Eggs of salmonids (trout, salmon, grayling, whitefish, cisco) are the only legal parts that may be used as bait. Internal organs, eggs, eyes, fins, and skin of game fish other than salmonids are the only legal portions which may be used as bait. Any part of nongame fish may be used as bait. The use of bait may be restricted on specific waters as described in Sections 18, 24, 28, 32 and 37.
(c) It is unlawful to snag fish.
(d) No person shall use an artificial light with a sole purpose of aiding in the attraction or taking of fish. No person shall use any device to physically extend an artificial light over the water to attract fish. It is illegal to use or attempt to use artificially lighted bobbers or hooked devices. Artificial lights used for navigation, safety, preparing fishing equipment, observing fishing rods and lines are legal. Artificial lights within watercraft or on the shore, which are not otherwise prohibited, are legal.
(e) Use or possession of corn while fishing is prohibited on all waters of the state.
(f) The following method restrictions apply for waters covered by the 'Special Winter Ice Fishing Regulation'.
(i) The use of more than two (2) lines is permitted only during the ice covered period and only when the angler is fishing through the ice on waters included under the Special Winter Ice
Fishing regulation.
(ii) It is legal to use hand lines, set lines, poles, or tip ups; provided no person shall use more than six (6) lines at any time to fish.
(iii) When using more than two (2) lines, each line shall bear no more than one (1) hook, artificial fly or lure;
(A) The angler's name shall be attached to each line, pole or tip-up;
(B) The angler shall be within three hundred (300) yards of all lines; and,
(C) The angler shall check his/her own lines.
(a) Except as otherwise provided no person shall catch and keep during any one (1) day, or have in possession more than the number and length of fish specified as the general daily creel and possession limits listed below. Except as otherwise provided only one (1) limit may be caught and reduced to possession from each of the following eight (8) categories. Please refer to subsection (b) of this section. Exceptions are listed with the regulations for each drainage area in Sections 18, 24, 28, 32, and 37.
| SPECIES | Daily Creel and Possession Limits |
|---|---|
| (i) Trout, salmon, grayling in combination | six(6) only one (1) fish shall exceed twenty (20) inches. |
| (ii) Brook trout eight (8)inches or less | ten (10) in addition to general creel limit on trout. |
| (iii) Whitefish | fifty (50) |
| (iv) Largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye and sauger, in combination | six (6) |
| (v) Catfish and ling (burbot), in combination | six (6) |
| (vi) Northern pike and tiger musky (northern pike-muskellunge hybrid) | three (3) a 11 northern pike and tiger musky less than thirty (30) inches in length shall be released to the water immediately. |
| (vii) Sturgeon | two (2) |
| (viii) Yellow perch, black bullhead, stonecat, crappie, rock bass, bluegill, pumpkinseed, green sunfish, green sunfish-bluegill hybrid, freshwater drum in combination fifty (50) |
(b) Any fish caught that is not to be counted in the creel limit shall be immediately released to the water with as little injury to the fish as possible. Any fish placed on a stringer, in a container, or not released immediately to the water, shall be considered to be in possession.
(c) All fish possessed or transported shall be kept in a manner that species and numbers can be determined. The head and tail of fish in possession shall remain attached when length limits apply. A piece of skin large enough to allow species identification shall remain on all fish fillets while in transit or in the field.
(d) There are no limits on nongame fish. Nongame fish may be taken by the use of legal fishing methods during any season open for the taking of game fish.
(a) Seining and trapping licenses (hereafter referred to as seining license) for the purpose of taking bait fish may be obtained from Game and Fish Department Regional Offices or from the Cheyenne Office.
(b) No person shall seine or trap bait fish without first obtaining a valid seining license.
(c) No person shall have more than one (1) seining license each calendar year.
(d) Seining or trapping and use of bait fish shall only be done as specified in regulations for the specific drainage areas in Sections 19, 25, 29, 33, and 38. Locations where bait fish may be obtained and used shall be specified on the seining license.
(e) Seines or nets used for the purpose of taking bait fish shall not be more than twenty-five (25) feet long, five (5) feet deep and have a mesh of not more than one quarter (¼) inch.
(f) Traps used for the purpose of taking bait fish shall not be more than thirty-six (36) inches long, twelve (12) inches deep, twelve (12) inches wide or twelve (12) inches in diameter and the throat shall not exceed one (1) inch width.
(i) A seining license holder shall be entitled to use no more than five (5) traps at a time.
(ii) The owner’s name and seining license number shall be attached to each trap while in use.
(g) Any game fish taken by trap or seine shall be released to the water immediately.
(h) Seining licenses are subject to suspension or revocation for failure to comply with the seining and trapping conditions specified in Sections 7, 19, 25, 29, 33 and 38.
(i) Any revocation of a seining license shall be subject to contested case proceedings in accordance with Wyoming Game and Fish Commission Regulation Chapter 27, Rules Of Practice Governing Contested Cases Before The Wyoming Game And Fish Commission.
(a) No person shall deal in live bait fish without first obtaining a valid bait dealer’s license.
(b) No live bait fish shall be transported into the State under a live bait fish dealer license.
(c) Golden shiners and fathead minnows shall be the only live bait fish that may be sold for use throughout the State where the use of live bait fish is permitted. Other species of bait fish sold are subject to the collection and use restrictions specified in Sections 9, 19, 25, 29, 33, and 38.
(d) Application for a live bait fish dealer’s license shall be made on forms provided by the Department. The applicant shall provide information on where the business is located and the type of facilities to be used for holding fish.
(e) Live bait fish dealers shall issue a receipt valid for ten (10) consecutive days to the buyer at the time of sale. The receipt shall show the dealer’s name and address, the number and species of fish sold, the date of the transfer, expiration date and where the fish shall be used. Receipt forms shall be provided by the Department.
(f) Department personnel may inspect the holding facilities and fish of live bait fish dealers during normal business hours.
(g) If a Department inspection discloses species of wildlife not authorized by the Department in the holding facilities of a licensed bait dealer the Department may, at its discretion, order the shipment of fish or fish in the holding facility removed from Wyoming.
(h) Live bait fish dealers shall keep records, on forms provided by the Department, of who they obtained the bait fish from and where they obtained the live bait fish.
(i) Live bait fish dealer licenses are subject to suspension or revocation for failure to comply with provisions (a) through (h) of this section.
(i) Any revocation of a live bait fish dealer license shall be subject to contested case proceedings in accordance with Wyoming Game and Fish Commission Regulation Chapter 27, Rules Of Practice Governing Contested Cases Before The Wyoming Game And Fish Commission.
(a) Waters where live bait fish may be obtained and used are designated within the regulations for the specific drainage area in Sections 19, 25, 29, 33, and 38. Possession of live bait fish is prohibited in areas or on waters where the use of live bait fish is not permitted, except while seining or trapping bait fish on waters designated within the regulations for the specific drainage area in Sections 19, 25, 29, 33, and 38.
(b) Live bait fish shall not be transported out of the designated use area as listed by the Department on the seining license and/or bait dealer license.
(c) Persons with live bait fish in possession shall produce upon request from Department personnel either a receipt from a licensed bait dealer or a seining license verifying origin of the live bait fish. Live bait fish dealers and seining license holders shall issue a receipt valid for ten (10) consecutive days, including the date of transfer, to the recipient at the time of transfer of the bait fish. Information included on the receipt shall include the licensed bait dealer or seining license holder's name and address, the number and species of fish received, the date of the transfer, expiration date, and where the fish shall be used. Receipt forms for live bait dealers shall be provided by the Department.
(d) No live bait fish shall be transported into the State for use as live bait fish.
(e) Dead bait fish may be used as bait. Restrictions on the use of dead bait fish are designated within the regulations for the specific drainage area in Sections 19, 25, 29, 33, and 38. Nongame fish taken by the use of legal fishing methods during any season open for the taking of game fish may be used as bait. Any bait fish captured for use as dead bait shall be killed immediately and shall not be transported live.
Section 10. Closure of Fish Holding Facilities. All fish rearing and/or 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.
(a) Fish may be taken by underwater spear gun fishing only as specified with the regulations for each drainage area in Sections 20, 26, 30, 34, and 39.
(b) All spears used on spear guns shall be attached to a lanyard with a maximum length of twenty (20) feet.
(c) Underwater spear gun fishing is not permitted within one hundred (100) yards of any designated swimming or water ski areas, boat dock, ramp or spillway.
(d) A red diver's flag with a white diagonal stripe shall be displayed on the water when diving or underwater spear gun fishing.
Section 12. 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.
Section 13. Tagging or Marking Fish. No person shall tag or mark fish and release them into the waters of the State without prior approval from the Department.
Section 14. Ice Fishing Shelters. Any person utilizing an enclosed ice fishing shelter on the waters of the State shall label the shelter externally with the owners name and address. Any person utilizing an ice fishing shelter shall remove the shelter from the body of water before ice-out.
(a) Fishing contests held on waters of the State that are open to public use shall be approved and authorized in writing by the Department.
(b) Applications. Anyone desiring to hold a fishing contest shall submit an application for a permit to the Department at least thirty (30) days prior to the start of the contest on a form provided by the Department. Information on the application shall include the name of the applicant; location of the waters where the contest is to be held; the dates of the contest; the number of participants expected for the contest; the amount of the entry fee; a copy of the contest rules; and, the name, address and telephone number of the person responsible for the contest.
(c) Live Fish Releases. No person shall release live fish in a live-release fishing contest without first obtaining written approval of the Department.
(d) Reasons for Denying Permits. Permits shall not be issued if the Department believes the fishing contest does not comply with Commission regulations, shall be harmful to the fisheries resource, or that public use facilities such as boat ramps, parking areas, campgrounds, and related facilities are inadequate to support the contest.
(e) Post-Contest Report Required. Within thirty (30) days after completion of the fishing contest, the permittee shall submit a written report to the Department. The report shall include the number of contest participants, fisheries catch data as requested by the Department, the gross and net proceeds for the tournament and the percentage of the entry fees paid back to the participants as prizes. Failure to submit this report may result in denial of future fishing contest permits.
Section 16. Established Check Stations. Every angler shall stop and report at established check stations that are on route to or from any fishing area. Anglers shall produce a valid license for any game fish in their possession upon request of any authorized Department representative.
Section 17. Area 1 Coverage. Area 1 means the Snake River, Salt River, Greys River, Hoback River, Gros Ventre River and Buffalo Fork River Drainages and all drainages west of the Teton and Snake River Ranges.
Section 18. Area 1 Exceptions to general provisions. Fishing is permitted as described in Sections 1 through 16 of this Chapter except as otherwise specified in this section:
(a) All waters in the Jedediah Smith and Winegar Hole wilderness areas in Teton County.
(i) Closed to fishing from November 1 through March 31.
(ii) The creel limit on trout shall be two (2) per day or in possession.
(b) All waters in the Teton and Gros Ventre wilderness areas in Fremont, Sublette and Teton Counties.
(i) Closed to fishing from November 1 through May 20.
(ii) The creel limit on trout shall be two (2) per day or in possession.
(c) All waters on the west slope of the Teton and Snake River ranges, excluding Grassy Lake Reservoir, in Lincoln and Teton Counties.
(i) Closed to fishing from November 1 through March 31.
(d) Buffalo Fork River downstream of the wilderness boundary in Teton County.
(i) Closed to fishing from November 1 through May 20.
(ii) The creel limit on trout shall be three (3) per day or in possession.
(A) Only one (1) trout shall exceed twelve (12) inches.
(e) Christian Ponds, Grand Teton National Park in Teton County.
(i) Closed to fishing throughout the calendar year.
(f) Elk Park Pond in Teton County.
(i) Closed to fishing from November 1 through March 31.
(ii) It shall be unlawful for persons fourteen (14) years of age and older to fish.
(g) Flat Creek downstream from the west boundary of the National Elk Refuge to the U.S. Highway 26/89/191 Bridge on West Broadway in Teton County.
(i) Closed to fishing from November 1 through March 31.
(ii) It shall be unlawful for persons fourteen (14) years of age and older to fish.
(h) Flat Creek Drainage from the Old Crawford Bridge site downstream to the National Elk Refuge boundary fence (U.S. Highway 26/89/191) in Teton County.
(i) Closed to fishing throughout the calendar year.
(i) Flat Creek on the National Elk Refuge downstream from the McBride Bridge to the Old Crawford Bridge site as posted in Teton County.
(i) Closed to fishing from November 1 through July 31.
(ii) The creel limit on cutthroat trout shall be one (1) per day or in possession.
(A) All cutthroat trout less than twenty (20) inches in length shall be released to the water immediately.
(iii) Fishing is permitted by the use of artificial flies only.
(j) Grand Teton National Park Tributary Streams below Jackson Lake Dam, excluding Buffalo Fork River, Pacific Creek, and Gros Ventre River, in Teton County.
(i) Closed to fishing November 1 through July 31.
(ii) The creel limit on trout shall be three (3) per day or in possession.
(A) Only one (1) trout shall exceed twelve (12) inches.
(iii) Fishing is permitted by the use of artificial flies and lures only.
(k) Greys River proper from Corral Creek downstream to the Murphy Creek Bridge in Lincoln County.
(i) The creel limit on cutthroat trout shall be two (2) per day or in possession.
(A) Only one (1) cutthroat trout shall exceed sixteen (16) inches; and,
(B) All cutthroat trout between eleven (11) and sixteen (16) inches (inclusive) shall be released to the water immediately.
(ii) Fishing is permitted by the use of artificial flies and lures only.
(l) Gros Ventre River Drainage upstream from the confluence with the Snake River in Teton County.
(i) Closed to fishing from November 1 through May 20.
(m) Hedrick's Pond, Grand Teton National Park in Teton County.
(i) Closed to fishing throughout the calendar year.
(n) Jackson Lake, Grand Teton National Park in Teton County.
(i) Closed to fishing from October 1 through October 31.
(ii) The creel limit on trout shall be six (6) per day or in possession.
(A) Only one (1) trout shall exceed twenty-four (24) inches.
(o) Jenny Lake, Grand Teton National Park in Teton County.
(i) The creel limit on trout shall be six (6) per day or in possession.
(A) Only one (1) trout shall exceed twenty-four (24) inches.
(p) Leigh Lake, Grand Teton National Park in Teton County.
(i) The creel limit on trout shall be six (6) per day or in possession.
(A) Only one (1) trout shall exceed twenty-four (24) inches.
(q) Lower Bar BC Spring Creek in Teton County.
(i) Closed to fishing from November 1 through July 31.
(r) Moose Pond, Grand Teton National Park in Teton County.
(i) Closed to fishing throughout the calendar year.
(s) Nowlin Creek above 'Closed Area' signs in Teton County.
(B) All trout between twelve (12) and eighteen (18) inches (inclusive) shall be released to the water immediately.
(ii) Fishing is permitted by the use of artificial flies and lures only.
(ad) Snake River proper from the Wyoming Highway 22 Bridge (Wilson Bridge) downstream to West Table boat ramp in Teton County.
(i) The creel limit on trout shall be three (3) per day or in possession.
(A) Only one (1) trout shall exceed twelve (12) inches.
(ae) Snake River tributary streams from the Snake River Bridge at Hoback Junction, excluding Hoback River, downstream to Palisades Reservoir in Lincoln and Teton Counties.
(i) Closed to fishing from November 1 through March 31.
(af) Snake River tributary streams from Yellowstone National Park downstream to the Snake River Bridge at Hoback Junction in Teton County.
(i) Closed to fishing from November 1 through May 20.
(ag) Soda Lake in the Gros Ventre River Drainage in Teton County.
(i) Closed to fishing from November 1 through May 20.
(ii) The creel limit on cutthroat trout shall be one (1) per day or in possession.
(A) All cutthroat trout less than twenty (20) inches in length shall be released to the water immediately.
(iii) Fishing is permitted by the use of artificial flies and lures only.
(ah) Swan Lake, Grand Teton National Park in Teton County.
(i) Closed to fishing throughout the calendar year.
Section 19. Area 1 Live Bait Fish. The use or possession of live bait fish in Area 1 is prohibited except that licensed bait dealers may possess live bait fish until the time of sale. Holders of valid seining licenses may seine or trap bait fish for use as dead bait in the Snake River Drainage, excluding the waters within the national parks (refer to Section 22 for Jackson Lake exception). Any bait fish captured, except those to be held by licensed bait dealers, shall be killed immediately.
Section 20. Area 1 Spear Gun Fishing. Underwater spear gun fishing is permitted for the taking of nongame fish and whitefish only during the regular fishing season on all the waters in Area 1, excluding those waters in Grand Teton National Park.
Section 21. Palisades Reservoir Boundaries. The boundaries of Palisades Reservoir shall be Sheep Gulch Boat Ramp on the Snake River arm; the Greys River Bridge just above Mill Creek on the Greys River arm; and, McCoy Creek Bridge on the Salt River arm.
Section 22. Grand Teton National Park.
(a) Fishing is permitted in Grand Teton National Park in conformance with laws and regulations of the Commission, the State of Wyoming and the regulations of the National Park Service.
(b) The use or possession of fish, fish eggs (real or artificial) or fish parts for bait is prohibited in all waters within Grand Teton National Park except that it shall be permissible to possess or use the following dead, nongame fish on or along the shores of Jackson Lake: redside shiner, speckled dace, longnose dace, Paiute sculpin, mottled sculpin, Utah chub, Utah sucker, bluehead sucker and mountain sucker. Please refer to Grand Teton National Park Regulations.
Section 23. Area 2 Coverage. Area 2 means the Wind River, Big Horn River, Shoshone River, Clark's Fork and Yellowstone River Drainages.
Section 24. Area 2 Exceptions to general provisions. Fishing is permitted as described in Sections 1 through 16 of this Chapter except as otherwise specified in this section:
(a) All lakes, streams and ponds within the Buffalo Creek Drainage (Copper Mountain area) in Hot Springs County.
(k) East Newton Lake in Park County.
(i) The creel limit on trout shall be one (1) per day or in possession.
(w) Pelham Lake in Fremont County.
(i) The creel limit on trout shall be two (2) per day or in possession.
(ii) A holder of a valid seining license may seine or trap fathead minnows or golden shiners from the Wind River upstream from the western boundary of the Wind River Indian Reservation. All other fish captured must be released to the water immediately.
(b) Area 2 Live Bait location B. Live bait fish may be used for bait in the waters listed in subsection (i) provided the bait fish are obtained from a licensed bait dealer authorized to sell bait fish for use in these waters or seined or trapped from the waters listed below in subsection (ii).
(i) Live bait fish may be used in the following waters:
(ii) A holder of a valid seining license may seine or trap bait fish from the following waters:
(A) Wind River Drainage from the western boundary of the Wind River Indian Reservation downstream to Boysen Dam.
(c) Area 2 Live Bait location C. Live bait fish may be used for bait in the waters listed in subsection (i) provided the bait fish are obtained from a licensed bait dealer authorized to sell bait fish for use in these waters or seined or trapped from the waters listed below in subsection (ii).
(i) Live bait fish may be used in the following waters:
(ii) A holder of a valid seining license may seine or trap bait fish from the following waters:
(A) Big Horn River Drainage downstream from Boysen Dam.
Section 26. Area 2 Spear Gun Fishing.
(a) Underwater spear gun fishing is permitted from June 1 through August 31 in the following waters:
(b) The creel limit on walleye taken by spear gun in Area 2 shall be two (2) fish per day or in possession. All other general and specific water creel limits shall apply.
Section 27. Area 3 Coverage. Area 3 means the Niobrara River, Cheyenne River, Stockade-Beaver Creek, Sand Creek, Belle Fourche River, Little Missouri River, Little Powder River, Powder River, Tongue River, and Little Bighorn River Drainages.
Section 28. Area 3 Exceptions to general provisions. Fishing is permitted as described in Sections 1 through 16 of this Chapter except as otherwise specified in this section:
(a) Bull Creek in Sheridan County.
(ii) Fishing is permitted by the use of artificial flies and lures only.
(b) Burlington Reservoir in Natrona County.
(i) Closed to fishing from March 1 through May 31.
Section 29. Area 3 Live Bait Fish. The use or possession of live bait fish in Area 3 is prohibited except as otherwise specified in this section:
(a) Area 3 Live Bait location A. Live bait fish may be used for bait in the waters listed in subsection (i) provided the bait fish are obtained from a licensed bait dealer authorized to sell bait fish for use in these waters or seined or trapped from the waters listed below in subsection (ii).
(i) Live bait fish may be used in the following waters:
(ii) A holder of a valid seining license may seine or trap bait fish from the following waters:
(b) Area 3 Live Bait location B. Live bait fish may be used for bait in the waters listed in subsection (i) provided the bait fish are obtained from a licensed bait dealer authorized to sell bait fish for use in these waters or seined or trapped from the waters listed below in subsection (ii).
(i) Live bait fish may be used in the following waters:
(A) Tongue River from Interstate Highway 90 to the Wyoming-Montana State Line;
(B) Goose Creek from Interstate Highway 90 to its confluence with Tongue River; and,
(C) Kleenburn Ponds 1 and 2 adjacent to the Tongue River north of Interstate 90, near Acme.
(ii) A holder of a valid seining license may seine or trap bait fish from the following waters:
Section 30. Area 3 Spear Gun Fishing.
(a) Underwater spear gun fishing is permitted from June 1 through August 31 in the following waters:
(b) The creel limit on walleye taken by spear gun in Area 3 shall be two (2) fish per day or in possession. All other general and specific water creel limits shall apply.
Section 31. Area 4 Coverage. Area 4 means the Green River, Little Snake River, Bear River and Great Divide Basin Drainages.
Section 32. Area 4 Exceptions to general provisions. Fishing is permitted as described in Sections 1 through 16 of this Chapter except as otherwise specified in this section:
(a) Battle Creek Drainage upstream from the confluence with the Little Snake River in Carbon County.
(i) The creel limit on trout shall be six (6) per day or in possession.
(A) Only one (1) may be a cutthroat trout.
(b) Bear River from the upstream boundary of the Bear River State Park downstream to the northern boundary of the Evanston City limits (Sims Lane) in Uinta County.
(i) The creel limit on trout shall be two (2) per day or in possession.
(i) Closed to fishing throughout the calendar year.
(q) Gilbert Creek Drainage from the National Forest boundary upstream in Uinta County.
(B) No more than two (2) fish may be lake trout.
(z) Ham's Fork River from Corral Creek downstream to Viva Naughton Reservoir in Lincoln County.
(i) Closed to fishing from April 1 through June 30.
(aa) Ham's Fork River from Viva Naughton Reservoir downstream to Kemmerer City Reservoir in Lincoln County.
(i) The creel limit on trout shall be two (2) per day or in possession.
(A) Only one (1) trout shall exceed twenty (20) inches; and,
(B) All trout between thirteen (13) and twenty (20) inches (inclusive) shall be released to the water immediately.
(ii) Fishing is permitted by the use of artificial flies and lures only.
(ab) Hobble Creek Drainage (includes Lake Alice) on the Bridger-Teton National Forest upstream from the forest boundary in Lincoln County.
(i) All cutthroat trout ten (10) inches or less in length shall be released to the water immediately.
(ii) Fishing is permitted by the use of artificial flies and lures only.
(ac) Ice Ponds at Evanston in Uinta County.
(i) The creel limit on trout shall be two (2) per day or in possession.
(A) Only one (1) trout shall exceed twenty (20) inches.
(ad) Jim Bridger Pond in Sweetwater County.
(i) Closed to ice fishing.
(ae) Kemmerer City Reservoir in Lincoln County.
(i) The creel limit on trout shall be two (2) per day or in possession.
(A) Only one (1) trout shall exceed twenty (20) inches; and,
(B) All trout between thirteen (13) and twenty (20) inches (inclusive) shall be released to the water immediately.
(ii) Fishing is permitted by the use of artificial flies and lures only.
(af) Kendall Warm Springs and Kendall Warm Springs Creek in Sublette County.
(i) Closed to fishing throughout the calendar year.
(ag) LaBarge Creek Drainage upstream from the Bureau of Land Management boundary in Lincoln and Sublette Counties.
(i) The creel limit on cutthroat trout shall be one (1) per day or in possession.
(ah) Lake Alice and its upstream tributaries in Lincoln County.
(i) Closed to fishing from April 1 through June 30.
(ai) Little Snake River proper upstream from the Colorado-Wyoming State Line in Carbon County.
(i) The creel limit on trout shall be six (6) per day or in possession.
(A) Only one (1) may be a cutthroat trout.
(aj) Meadow Creek in Sublette County.
(i) Closed to fishing from April 1 through June 30.
(ak) Meadow Lake, portion east of Game and Fish Department markers in Sublette County.
(i) Closed to fishing from April 1 through June 30.
(al) Meadow Lake in Sublette County.
(i) Closed to fishing from November 15 through April 30.
(am) Middle Piney Lake in Sublette County.
(i) The creel limit on trout or salmon shall be six (6) per day or in possession.
(A) Only two (2) trout may be lake trout; and, (B) Only one (1) trout or salmon shall exceed twenty (20) inches.
(an) Muddy Creek Drainage upstream from the confluence with the Little Snake River in Carbon County.
(i) The creel limit on trout shall be six (6) per day or in possession.
(A) Only one (1) may be a cutthroat trout.
(ao) Naughton Plant Pond in Lincoln County.
(i) Closed to ice fishing.
(ap) New Fork River above the New Fork Lakes in Sublette County.
(i) Closed to fishing from September 1 through April 30.
(aq) New Fork River from the uppermost boundary of the Boulder Bridge Easement (above Sublette County Road 23-136) downstream to the Green River confluence in Sublette County.
(i) The creel limit on trout, salmon, and grayling shall be six (6) per day or in possession.
(A) Only one (1) trout, salmon, or grayling shall exceed twenty (20) inches;
and,
(B) No more than three (3) fish may be trout.
(ar) New Fork River from the Mesa Road Bridge (Sublette County Road 23-123) downstream to the uppermost boundary of the Boulder Bridge Easement (above Sublette County Road 23-136) in Sublette County.
(i) The creel limit on trout, salmon, and grayling shall be six (6) fish per day or in possession.
(A) Only one (1) trout shall exceed twenty (20) inches;
(B) No more than two (2) fish may be trout; and,
(C) All trout between ten (10) and twenty (20) inches (inclusive) shall be released to the water immediately.
(ii) Fishing is permitted by the use of artificial flies and lures only.
(as) North Cottonwood Creek Drainage (including Maki Creek) on the Bridger-Teton National Forest upstream from the forest boundary in Sublette County.
(i) All cutthroat trout shall be released to the water immediately.
(ii) Fishing is permitted by the use of artificial flies and lures only.
(at) North Fork of the Little Snake River Drainage downstream from Forest Service Road 809.1b to the Colorado-Wyoming State Line in Carbon County.
(i) The creel limit on trout shall be six (6) per day or in possession.
(A) Only one (1) may be a cutthroat trout.
(au) North Fork of the Little Snake River Drainage upstream from Forest Service Road 809.1b in Carbon County.
(i) Closed to fishing throughout the calendar year.
(av) North Horse Creek and Lead Creek Drainage on the Bridger-Teton National Forest upstream from the forest boundary in Sublette County.
(i) All cutthroat trout shall be released to the water immediately.
(ii) Fishing is permitted by the use of artificial flies and lures only.
(aw) North Piney Creek Drainage (including North Piney Lake) on the Bridger-Teton National Forest upstream from the forest boundary in Sublette County.
(i) All cutthroat trout ten (10) inches or less in length shall be released to the water immediately.
(ii) Fishing is permitted by the use of artificial flies and lures only.
(ax) North Piney Lake and upstream tributaries in Sublette County.
(i) Closed to fishing April 1 through June 30.
(bn) Surprise Creek Drainage, including Surprise Lake in Sublette County.
Section 33. Area 4 Live Bait Fish. The use or possession of live bait fish in Area 4 is prohibited except that licensed bait dealers may possess live bait fish until the time of sale. A holder of a valid seining license may seine or trap bait fish for use as dead bait in the Green and Bear River Drainages, excluding national forests. Any bait fish captured except those to be held by live bait dealers shall be killed immediately.
Section 34. Area 4 Spear Gun Fishing.
Section 35. Flaming Gorge Reservoir Reciprocal Stamp. A person may utilize a valid Wyoming fishing license to fish in the Utah portions of Flaming Gorge Reservoir if the person possesses a valid Utah reciprocal fishing stamp. A person may utilize a valid Utah fishing license to fish in the Wyoming portions of Flaming Gorge Reservoir if the person possesses a valid Wyoming reciprocal fishing stamp. Fishermen purchasing a reciprocal fishing stamp shall validate the stamp by signing in ink across the face of the stamp.
Section 36. Area 5 Coverage. Area 5 means the North Platte River, Sweetwater River and South Platte River Drainages.
Section 37. Area 5 Exceptions to general provisions. Fishing is permitted as described in
Sections 1 through 16 of this Chapter except as otherwise specified in this section:
(a) Alcova Reservoir in Natrona County.
(i) The Special Winter Ice Fishing Regulation applies during the ice covered period (see Section 5, subsection (f)).
(b) Bump Sullivan Reservoir in Goshen County.
(i) Closed to fishing from November 1 through January 31.
(c) Diamond and Little Diamond Lakes in Carbon County.
(i) The creel limit on trout shall be two (2) per day or in possession.
(A) All trout less than sixteen (16) inches shall be released to the water immediately.
(ii) Fishing is permitted by the use of artificial flies and lures only.
(d) Diamond Springs Reservoir in Fremont County.
(i) The creel limit on trout shall be two (2) per day or in possession.
(A) All trout less than sixteen (16) inches shall be released to the water immediately.
(ii) Fishing is permitted by the use of artificial flies and lures only.
(e) Dome Rock Reservoir in Carbon County.
(i) The creel limit on trout shall be one (1) per day or in possession.
(A) All trout less than twenty (20) inches shall be released to the water immediately.
(ii) Fishing is permitted by the use of artificial flies and lures only.
(f) Edness Kimball Wilkins State Park, All ponds within the park in Natrona County.
(i) Closed to fishing, minnow seining and minnow trapping throughout the calendar year.
(g) Encampment River, from Highway 230 at Riverside downstream to its confluence with the North Platte River in Carbon County.
(i) The creel limit on trout shall be six (6) per day or in possession.
(A) Only one (1) trout shall exceed sixteen (16) inches; and,
(B) All trout between ten (10) and sixteen (16) inches (inclusive) shall be released to the water immediately.
(ii) Fishing is permitted by the use of artificial flies and lures only.
(h) Festo Lake in Platte County.
(i) All largemouth and smallmouth bass less than twelve (12) inches shall be released to the water immediately.
(i) Glendo Reservoir in Platte County.
(i) The Special Winter Ice Fishing Regulation applies during the ice covered period (see Section 5, subsection (f)).
(j) Grayrocks Reservoir in Platte County.
(i) The Special Winter Ice Fishing Regulation applies during the ice covered period (see Section 5, subsection (f)).
(ii) Between the spillway and floating regulatory buoys or as designated by regulatory signing is closed to fishing throughout the calendar year.
(iii) All largemouth and smallmouth bass less than twelve (12) inches shall be released to the water immediately.
(iv) The creel limit on crappie shall be fifteen (15).
(k) Hawk Springs Reservoir in Goshen County.
(i) All largemouth and smallmouth bass less than twelve (12) inches shall be released to the water immediately.
(l) Huck Finn Pond in Albany County.
(i) It shall be unlawful for persons fourteen (14) years of age and older to fish.
(m) Laramie River (Big), from the Colorado-Wyoming State Line downstream to the Pioneer Canal Diversion in Albany County.
(i) All rainbow trout shall be released to the water immediately.
(ii) The creel limit on trout shall be six (6) per day or in possession,
(A) Only one (1) trout shall exceed sixteen (16) inches; and,
(B) All trout between ten (10) and sixteen (16) inches (inclusive) shall be released to the water immediately.
(iii) Fishing is permitted by the use of artificial flies and lures only.
(n) Lost Soldier Reservoir in Sweetwater County.
(i) The creel limit on trout shall be three (3) per day or in possession.
(A) Only one (1) trout shall exceed fifteen (15) inches.
(o) North Laramie River from Kafka Reservoir downstream to Toltec Reservoir in Albany County.
(i) Closed to fishing April 15 through May 14.
(p) North Platte River from Colorado-Wyoming State Line downstream to Seminoe Reservoir in Carbon County.
(i) The creel limit on walleye shall be twenty (20) fish per day or in possession.
(q) North Platte River from Colorado-Wyoming State Line downstream to the Saratoga Inn Bridge in Carbon County.
(i) The creel limit on trout shall be six (6) per day or in possession.
(A) Only one (1) trout shall exceed sixteen (16) inches; and,
(B) All trout between ten (10) and sixteen (16) inches (inclusive) shall be released to the water immediately.
(ii) Fishing is permitted by the use of artificial flies and lures only.
(r) North Platte River from Gray Reef Dam downstream, eight (8) miles to the upstream boundary of the Lusby Public Fishing Area in Natrona County.
(i) Limit on trout shall be one (1) per day or in possession.
(A) All trout less than twenty (20) inches shall be released to the water immediately.
(ii) Fishing is permitted by the use of artificial flies and lures only.
(s) North Platte River from Kortes Dam downstream to the confluence with Sage Creek (Miracle Mile) in Carbon County.
(i) The creel limit on trout shall be two (2) per day or in possession.
(A) Only one (1) trout shall exceed twenty (20) inches.
(ii) Closed to night fishing (8PM - 6AM) during the month of April.
(t) North Platte River from Pick Bridge (County Road 508) downstream approximately five (5) miles to the downstream end of the old Frazier Place public fishing area in Carbon County.
(i) The creel limit on trout shall be six (6) per day or in possession.
(A) Only one (1) trout shall exceed twenty (20) inches; and,
(B) All trout between ten (10) and twenty (20) inches (inclusive) shall be released to the water immediately.
(ii) Fishing is permitted by the use of artificial flies and lures only.
(u) North Platte River from the upstream boundary of the Lusby Public Fishing Area downstream to the Bessemer Bend Bridge (Natrona County Road 308) in Natrona County.
Section 38. Area 5 Live Bait Fish. The use or possession of live bait fish in Area 5 is prohibited except as specified below.
(a) Live bait fish may be used for bait in Seminoe, Kortes, Pathfinder, Alcova, Gray Reef, Glendo, Guernsey, Grayrocks, Hawk Springs, Bump Sullivan, and Springer reservoirs, Packers Lake, and the North Platte River proper from Interstate Highway 80 downstream to the Wyoming-Nebraska State Line (except eight (8) river miles from Gray Reef Dam to the upstream boundary of the Lusby Public fishing area) provided the bait fish are obtained from a licensed bait dealer authorized to sell bait fish for use in those waters.
(b) Seining and trapping of live bait fish is prohibited in all waters in the Horse Creek Drainage, the South Platte River Drainage, the Medicine Bow National Forest and all waters located west of Interstate Highway 25 in the Laramie River Drainage.
(c) Area 5 Live Bait location A. Live bait fish may be used for bait in the waters listed in subsection (i) provided the bait fish are obtained from a licensed bait dealer authorized to sell bait fish for use in these waters or seined or trapped from the waters listed below in subsection (ii).
(ii) A holder of a valid seining license may seine or trap bait fish from the following waters:
Wyoming-Nebraska stateline; and,
(C) Laramie River Drainage east of Interstate Highway 25.
(d) Area 5 Live Bait location B. Live bait fish may be used for bait in the waters listed in subsection (i) provided the bait fish are obtained from a licensed bait dealer authorized to sell bait fish for use in these waters or seined or trapped from the waters listed below in subsection (ii).
(i) Live bait fish may be used in the following waters:
(A) Pathfinder Reservoir;
(B) Alcova Reservoir;
(C) Gray Reef Reservoir;
(D) Glendo Reservoir; and,
(E) North Platte River proper between Kortes Dam and Glendo Reservoir
except eight (8) river miles from Gray Reef Dam to the upstream boundary of the Lusby Public Fishing Area.
(ii) A holder of a valid seining license may seine or trap bait fish from the following waters:
(A) North Platte River Drainage from Pathfinder Dam downstream to Pacific Power and Light Dam (Converse County).
(e) Area 5 Live Bait location C. Live bait fish may be used for bait in the waters listed in subsection (i) provided the bait fish are obtained from a licensed bait dealer authorized to sell bait fish for use in these waters or seined or trapped from the waters listed below in subsection (ii).
(i) Live bait fish may be used in the following waters:
(A) Pathfinder Reservoir;
(B) North Platte River between Pathfinder Reservoir and Seminoe Dam
(Miracle Mile); and,
(C) Kortes Reservoir.
(ii) A holder of a valid seining license may seine or trap bait fish from the following waters:
(A) North Platte River Drainage from Seminoe Dam downstream to Pathfinder Dam.
(f) Area 5 Live Bait location D. Live bait fish may be used for bait in the waters listed in subsection (i) provided the bait fish are obtained from a licensed bait dealer authorized to sell bait fish for use in these waters or seined or trapped from the waters listed below in subsection (ii).
(i) Live bait fish may be used in the following waters:
(A) Seminoe Reservoir;
(B) North Platte River from Seminoe Reservoir to Interstate Highway 80.
(ii) A holder of a valid seining license may seine or trap bait fish from the following waters:
(A) North Platte River Drainage from Interstate Highway 80 downstream to Seminoe Dam.
(g) Area 5 Live Bait location E. Live bait fish may be not be used in this area. Any bait fish seined or trapped from the waters listed below in subsection (i) shall be killed immediately or released to the water immediately.
(i) A holder of a valid seining license may seine or trap bait fish for use as dead bait from the following waters:
(A) North Platte River Drainage upstream from Interstate Highway 80 to the Medicine Bow National Forest.
Section 39. Area 5 Spear Gun Fishing.
(a) Underwater spear gun fishing is permitted from June 1 through August 31 in the following waters:
(i) Alcova reservoir; (ii) Glendo reservoir; (iii) Grayrocks reservoir; (iv) Pathfinder reservoir; and, (v) Seminoe reservoir.
(b) The creel limit on walleye taken by spear gun in Area 5 shall be two (2) fish per day or in possession. All other general and specific water creel limits shall apply.
Section 40. Violation of Commission Regulations.
(a) Failure to abide by the provisions of these regulations shall be punishable as provided by Wyoming statutes for violation of Commission regulations.
Section 41. Savings Clause. If any provision of these regulations is held to be illegal or unconstitutional, such a ruling shall not affect other provisions of these regulations which can be given effect without the illegal or unconstitutional provision; and, to this end the provisions of this regulation are severable.
WYOMING GAME AND FISH COMMISSION
By:
TRACY HUNT PRESIDENT
Date: July 27, 1999