**Proposed regulation changes for 2015**
Generally, fishing regulations are revised every two years (2014-15). However, issues have arisen this last winter and the WGFD is proposing some changes that would go into effect January 2015.
Three major changes:
• Will propose allowing the importation of minnows from a private minnow hatchery we are confident will only ship fathead minnows and no unwanted fish or diseases.
(Rationale: Statewide certified fathead minnows are in short supply. Fathead minnows from this source are certified disease free clean and allowing the importation will allow for broader use by anglers statewide. Importation will only be allowed for live-bait dealers).
• Will propose allowing the use of artificial light and lighted lures as a legal method of fishing.
(Rationale: Daily creel and possession limits are the regulating factor not method of take. This will also address a lot of confusion on what is artificial light and what is not).
• Will propose allowing the use of bead-fishing as long as there is not a bare hook.
(Rationale: Bead fishing with a bare hook is considered snagging and not a legal method of take. Bead fishing with a fly or lure is legal because the fish may be going after the fly or lure).
There may or may not be other minor regulation changes to come as well.
We wanted to post this now to get anglers thinking about these major regulation changes. There will be a public commenting period likely starting in June and we will let you know soon of the when and where. In the meantime, feel free to post questions on this thread or the “Ask the Game and Fish” thread or feel free to contact your nearest regional Game and Fish office and ask to speak with a fisheries biologist.
Thanks
