WYOMING'S FIVE MOST COMMON FISHING VIOLATIONS
CHEYENNE - The vast majority of anglers don't break fishing regulations or laws. But a small percentage - either accidentally or intentionally -- commit violations in pursuit of Wyoming trout and other species.

"The type of fishing violations stays pretty consistent from year to year," said Mike Choma, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department's enforcement coordinator. "Although some violations are blatantly intentional such as overlimit or a nonresident buying a resident license, many violations are out of ignorance because an angler didn't read the regulation. We want to help anglers stay on the right side of the law."

According to Choma, Wyoming's top five fishing violations are:
1) No license...Once in awhile in the frenzy of buying bird, bear and mountain lion licenses and applying for big game tags, someone legitimately forgets to pick up a fishing license. " But not very often," Choma said. "Most folks cited for fishing without a license are residents who seldom fish or tourists sneaking a few casts in. And they both know they are breaking the law."
2) Limit Violations...This includes more than just anglers who get greedy when the fishing is good. Many Wyoming waters have reduced limits or "slot limits" where all fish in a length range must be released. A few waters are entirely catch and release. When anglers neglect to read the fishing regulations and creel a fish in violation, they are likely to get a ticket.
3) Bait/Minnow Violations...The waters with reduced limits or slot limits are likely to be restricted to artificial flies and lures only. When bait is used, it's a violation. Live minnows are also prohibited in some reservoirs. These various regulations combined make bait/minnow violations the No. 3 fishing transgression in Wyoming.
4) False Oath...When a nonresident pretends he's a resident to save money on a fishing license he is swearing a false oath.
5) Lines: Number and Attendance...On most waters, no more than two poles can be used. Each pole is permitted a maximum of three hooks or lures. In Wyoming, all poles must be attended by the angler. That makes set or trot lines illegal.

Choma reminds anglers all laws governing fishing are printed in the regulations. "But some regulations seem confusing, so please contact your local game warden or Game and Fish office if you have a question," he said.
(contact: Jeff Obrecht)

-WGFD-