Fishing is a large part of what brought me to Wyoming.  I love fishing the open waters of the cowboy state in pursuit of walleye, trout and other sport fish like bass, crappie and pike.  With warmer weather just around the corner, there are several things fishermen should take note of before heading out to their favorite fishing spots.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department and enforcement officers want to remind everyone to be aware of new rules changes and to follow the regulations that are listed in the newly released 2017 Wyoming Fishing Regulations. Below are the most common mistakes people make before heading out to go fishing in Wyoming each year.

Get your Fishing License - According to Wyoming Game and Fish officers, the most common fishing violation by far is fishing without a license. A fishing license is required for all anglers age 14 and older.  For the younger fishermen in your family, a fishing license is not required for kids under 14 years of age. Non-resident kids must be accompanied by an adult and their fish kept must be applied to the creel limit of a licensed adult in his/her company. However, Resident youth can catch their own full creel limit of fish.

Be Aware of Size and Number Limits – The general statewide creel and possession limits are found on page 5 of the 2017 Fishing Regulations and vary by species. In addition to the general creel limits, many Wyoming waters have restrictions on the size, numbers and species of fish that can be kept and what must be released immediately. Anglers are advised to pay attention to the size limits and numbers of each species that can be kept on area lakes and streams.  Wyoming's general creel limits do not apply for some of our states most popular streams and reservoirs. The exceptions to the general statewide regulations for each specific stream and lake are found in each drainage section located in the 2017 Fishing Regulations.

Be aware of bait restrictions for specific waters – There are a number of waters in Wyoming that have artificial fly and lure regulations. Area streams that require the use of artificial flies or lures only are listed in each drainage area section located in the 2017 Fishing Regulations. In addition, many area waters have a few closed seasons during certain portions of the year or have water craft restrictions. Definition of what constitutes artificial lures or flies or bait is found on page six of this years fishing regulations.

The biggest thing each angler should be mindful of each year is to - Know Before You Go!  Anglers are advised to check the regulations each year to see if any special regulations or creel limit changes apply to their favorite waters or to where ever their fishing activity will take place.

Now head out on the water and lets catch some fish!!

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