Friday
Dec142007
Trout Fishing Rule Changes Porposed
Friday, December 14, 2007 at 6:30AM With trout fishing occurring within a fourth of the states 100 counties, fishermen will want to pay particular attention to a proposed rule change that would define what an artificial lure is as well as what it is not. With around 30 changes proposed to the state’s diverse fishing regulations, there is sure to be something that will apply to just about any fisherman in the state.
Among the changes: North Wilkesboro and Spruce Pine would have delayed-harvest trout waters within their city limits. This proposal would add 3.3 miles of new fishing opportunity. In the counties of Watauga and Wilkes, fishermen would gain new opportunities for catch-and-release/artificial lure trout fishing on parts of Dugger and Laurel Creek. Additional trout related proposals would reclassify or eliminate trout water designation from several other mountain streams.
The proposed changes will be presented at a series of nine public hearings that will be held across the state in January. Those that pass will become law beginning July 1, 2008.
Many of the state’s trout waters are classified as single-hook artificial-lure fishing only. The problem that has amplified in recent years is the fact that the law does not define or specify exactly what an artificial lure is. The proposal is to define what artificial lures and natural bait are when used in designated public mountain trout waters. An artificial lure would be defined as a lure that does not contain or has had applied any substance that attracts fish by taste or smell. Natural bait would be defined as any living or dead organism (plant or animal), or part of, or prepared substance designed to attract fish by the sense of taste or smell.
Among the changes: North Wilkesboro and Spruce Pine would have delayed-harvest trout waters within their city limits. This proposal would add 3.3 miles of new fishing opportunity. In the counties of Watauga and Wilkes, fishermen would gain new opportunities for catch-and-release/artificial lure trout fishing on parts of Dugger and Laurel Creek. Additional trout related proposals would reclassify or eliminate trout water designation from several other mountain streams.
The proposed changes will be presented at a series of nine public hearings that will be held across the state in January. Those that pass will become law beginning July 1, 2008.
Many of the state’s trout waters are classified as single-hook artificial-lure fishing only. The problem that has amplified in recent years is the fact that the law does not define or specify exactly what an artificial lure is. The proposal is to define what artificial lures and natural bait are when used in designated public mountain trout waters. An artificial lure would be defined as a lure that does not contain or has had applied any substance that attracts fish by taste or smell. Natural bait would be defined as any living or dead organism (plant or animal), or part of, or prepared substance designed to attract fish by the sense of taste or smell.
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