FOR FISHING IN 2008
Wyoming G&F
CHEYENNE— Springtime often brings some of the best fishing of the year, and accompanying that good fishing comes a dramatic increase of the number of anglers and boaters on Wyoming waters.
With that influx of activity, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department urges anglers to check out the new regulations to make sure that when they do venture out they are familiar with any of the regulation changes that are now in effect.
“There have been a number of significant changes in the regulations for 2008 and 2009,” said Dirk Miller, fisheries management coordinator with the Game and Fish Department. “The biggest changes are in creel limits and species restrictions on certain waters.”
For trout, the general creel limit has stayed the same as previous years, allowing anglers six fish of which no more than one can exceed 20 inches. The general statewide trout regulation now separates brook trout, allowing a limit of 16, but no more than six brook trout can exceed eight inches. In addition to creel limit changes for brook trout, there are a number of waters where creel limits have been changed from previous years. These changes often involve length of fish that can be kept and creel limits regarding different trout species.
The first section of the regulations booklet contains general information on creel limits, license requirements and Wyoming laws and regulations. The booklet also has five separate sections for each of the state’s major drainages. Each section contains a map of that drainage along with regulations and seasons that differ from the general statewide regulations.
To determine which regulations are new or have been revised, anglers can look for the blue and yellow highlighted information throughout the booklet. Of particular note are the drainage-wide regulations that are highlighted in yellow. Anglers should note that not all waters are listed in the booklet. Only waters with exceptions to the general fishing and boating regulations are listed. If a specific water is not listed, it simply means that the general seasons and creel limits apply.
Fisheries regulations are available at all Game and Fish license agencies, on the Game and Fish Web site http://gf.state.wy.us or by calling (307) 777-4600.
FOR NPWU'S TOM DURST
Wyoming G&F
CASPER - It's not every day an angler sets two state records in one year. But that's exactly what Casper resident Tom Durst did on Nov. 15 when he caught a 1.06-pound gizzard shad in Glendo Reservoir. The 14.25-inch fish had a girth measurement of 9.5 inches. Durst also made fishing headlines on January 7 of this year when he reeled in a 7.5 pound, 26.5-inch sauger from Boysen Reservoir. The fish broke the old state record that had stood since 1999.
Gizzard shad are most often found in large schools and have earned the nickname "skipjack" from the fact that individuals within a school may often be observed leaping out of the water or "skipping" along the surface on their sides.
"I've often seen something silver jumping out of the water at Glendo, I just didn't realize it was gizzard shad," Durst said.
The Game and Fish stocks gizzard shad in Glendo to provide a food source for walleye. Gizzard shad are planktivorous. Young feed on microscopic animals and plants, as well as small insect larvae. Adults feed by filtering small food items from the water using their long, close-set gill rakers. They rarely bite on a hook, and when they do, they are generally considered worthless as a food fish.
The species is often used as cut bait for other fish species. Durst said he plans to use the record fish as bait to go after catfish.
It was 14 degrees when Durst launched his boat at 7:30 a.m. that November morning. He was fishing at a depth of 15 feet using jigs laced with a worm. He flipped a line out on a dead-rod then began to try his luck fishing with spoons on a second rod.
"He bit the dead rod," Durst said. "It was the biggest gizzard shad I had ever seen in Wyoming."
He elected to keep the fish and when he returned home he checked the Game and Fish web page to see if there was a state record listed for the species. When he discovered there wasn't, he brought the fish into the Casper office to have a biologist look at it and, hopefully, to fill out his second state record application of the year.
Durst hopes someone will try to beat the record and help bring recognition to the gizzard shad as more than a garbage fish. "This species is important to our walleye," he said. "Without these fish Glendo wouldn't be nearly as good as it is. Walleyes in Glendo are butterballs, and it's all lard from eating shad."
Bob Hart caught the new Montana State Record walleye on Nov. 18
while fishing at Tiber Reservoir.
By BRUCE AUCHLY
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks
On Saturday, Nov. 17, Bob Hart, of Missoula, caught his first walleye, a 14-incher. On Sunday, Nov. 18, for his second walleye, he broke the Montana state record.
Hart, 46, caught a 17.75-pound walleye at 7:15 a.m., Sunday, on the north shore of Tiber Reservoir southeast of Shelby. The fish measured 35 inches long with a 22-inch girth. The previous state record – 16.63 pounds and 31.5 inches long – was caught January 2000 in Fort Peck Reservoir.
“We were just sitting on shore fishing with a minnow and a weight to keep it on the bottom,” Hart says. He had the five-inch minnow at about 20 to 30 feet when the walleye struck. It took about 15 minutes to land, Hart says. He had 6- or 8-pound test line on his reel.
“I said ‘Ohmigod,’ and called my friend to get the net,” says Hart, who was fishing with Gordon Smedsrud of Shelby. The pair immediately took the fish to Shelby.
“It took us a while to find a certified scale in Shelby on Sunday morning,” Hart says. Fortunately Taylor’s Hardware Store was open. The fish was then taken to a local taxidermist.
So how does a fish grow that big in Tiber, not known for extremely large walleye? “There is a very abundant forage fish, cisco, in Tiber for a large fish,” said Dave Yerk, fisheries biologist for FWP. During previous netting surveys, Yerk and his crew have sampled a 14-pound walleye from Tiber.
As for Hart, a life-long fisherman, he has caught bigger saltwater fish – a 180-pound marlin – but no freshwater fish even close to this one. Now, several friends are offering to take the fish off his hands. No dice, Hart says. “I think I’ll hang it in my office,” says Hart, sales director for Blue Cross-Blue Shield.
Tom Durst caught the state record sauger at Boysen Reservoir.
Wyoming G&F
CASPER - A new state record was set Jan. 7, 2007 when Casper angler Tom Durst reeled in a 7.5 pound, 26.5 inch sauger from Boysen Reservoir, breaking the old record that has stood since 1999. The old record, a sauger weighing in at 7.4 pounds and measuring 26.2 inches long, was also caught at Boysen by Brad Berg of Riverton March 14, 1999.
"I wasn't expecting to catch a state record sauger," Durst said. "I always figured if I caught a state record it would probably be a carp or sucker."
He caught the fish at a depth of about 13 feet, using a live minnow on a tip-up. He reported cold, cloudy conditions with no wind at the time of the catch.
"It was really cold, about 8 degrees above zero," Durst said.
Not having any luck at their first location, Durst and his fishing buddy, Bruce Parker, also of Casper, decided to move to a different spot on the lake. After struggling with a malfunctioning auger, it was about 9:30 a.m. when they finally got set up and began fishing. They were soon catching crappie and even a burbot.
When Durst later went to check one of his tip-ups he was surprised to feel resistance, as the flag had not been set off. He pulled the line to check it and was surprised when he landed the large sauger. Durst struggles with an eye condition that makes his eyes water in cold weather, which might explain why he first thought the fish was a walleye. Parker also thought the fish was a walleye and pestered Durst to release it because it was too big to eat. "But I kept it anyway, it was a nice fish," Durst said.
After another angler identified the fish as a sauger, Durst knew it could possibly be a record. So they took the fish into Shoshone to have it weighed. The following day he took the fish to the Casper Game and Fish office to get a positive identification.
Durst, who recently retired from the Bureau of Land Management, is pleased that his fish broke the old record and he plans to have it mounted. "But even if it wasn't a state record, this fish is a trophy anyway. It's a once-in-a-lifetime catch," he said.
Sauger are a member of the perch family and closely resemble walleye. The species, which is native to the Missouri River drainage, is distinguished from walleye by the absence of a white tip on the lower tail fin. In Wyoming, sauger are found in the Bighorn-Wind, Tongue and Powder River drainages. Sauger and walleye are both found in Boysen Reservoir, although walleye are more abundant and grow larger.
"Sauger distribution has declined across their native range and they are no longer found in the North Platte River drainage in Wyoming," said Joe Deromedi, fisheries biologist for Boysen Reservoir. Concerns over declining sauger numbers and distribution prompted the Game and Fish and the University of Wyoming to conduct several studies over the past several years.
"Though much has been learned from this research, the Game and Fish is still very concerned about the long-term future for this species in Wyoming," Deromedi said.
The North American record is shared by two 8-pound, 12-ounce fish. The first one caught in Oct. 6, 1971 at Lake Sakakawea, N.D. and the other Dec. 12, 1994 at Fort Peck Lake, Mont.
WALLEYE MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES
Wyoming G&F
LANDER - Central Wyoming's Boysen Reservoir and Ocean Lake are important destinations for walleye anglers and both fisheries have been under the Wyoming Game and Fish Department radar for several years as biologists seek ways to improve fishing for the sought-after species.
Because issues can vary greatly between waters, biologists have adopted different management strategies and studies for both Boysen Reservoir and Ocean Lake.
The health of walleye populations is more often than not a function of the fish's habitat. Preferring cool, clear waters with lots of oxygen, walleye tend to flourish in large lakes. Rocky shorelines for spawning habitats are key to walleye reproduction, without which populations cannot sustain themselves. Biologists take all of the factors into consideration when crafting a strategy for managing different populations and habitats.
The populations and habitats in Ocean Lake and Boysen Reservoir are just that - very different - giving managers the challenge of two very different approaches. Ocean Lake, for example, is the only water in the Lander region in which walleye are stocked, mainly because good spawning habitat does not exist in the lake near Pavillion for the species to reproduce. Conversely, Boysen Reservoir offers good spawning habitat that allows walleye to reproduce on their own.
"Walleye populations in Boysen Reservoir are self-sustaining because there is good spawning habitat," said Game and Fish Fisheries Biologist Kevin Johnson. He adds one of the main reasons the Game and Fish doesn't stock walleye in Boysen is to reduce chances of hybridization with its close cousin, the sauger.
"Because the native sauger population in Boysen and upstream in the Wind River is one of the last genetically pure populations in North America, we don't want to jeopardize that with a walleye stocking program," Johnson said.
Because there is adequate habitat for walleye reproduction in Boysen Reservoir, fisheries managers focus their energy on monitoring walleye populations and improving habitat for other cool water fish species. The walleye population is monitored annually by netting samples of the fish on their shoreline habitat.
"Walleye populations are cyclic in most waters, and in recent years we have noted an increase in the number of fish we catch in gill nets," said Game and Fish Fisheries Biologist Joe Deromedi. "We are especially encouraged to see an increase in young fish in this year's netting effort. Nearly half of the walleye caught in gill nets were 15 inches or less; average length for walleye netted was 16.3 inches.
"Walleye recruitment is dependent upon several factors such as adequate spawning habitat, cover and food for the young, predation and other factors. Boysen Reservoir supports an abundance of mature fish, has large areas of spawning habitat, and stable water conditions are usually available during egg incubation for walleye. Poor walleye recruitment results from predation on young walleye during years when nursery habitat 'cover' is not available."
Fisheries managers also use gill nets to monitor walleye populations in Ocean Lake, but take a different approach. Gill nets are floated at the water surface to reduce the chance of catching other species. Information on age classes and overall health of the fish is noted to help determine stocking strategies. About 320,000 fingerling (1-2 inch) walleye are stocked in Ocean Lake each year.
Although some fillet/whole fish regulations will impact Boysen anglers beginning in January 2008, there are no changes proposed for walleye regulations on either Boysen Reservoir or Ocean Lake. Johnson and Deromedi hope the information obtained from their studies will help improve walleye fisheries and management strategies.
WHILE FISHING FOR SMALLMOUTHS
 Randy Reece caught the 1.76-pound rock bass. |
SHERIDAN - The cast to catch a smallmouth bass May 12 netted a Sheridan angler a bass and a state record at that - but rather than the familiar smallmouth, it was the sunfish-like rock bass that made history.
Just as Randy Reece’s night crawler hit the surface on the private pond near Sheridan, he noticed a swirl and hooked the fish. After a quick battle, Reece landed the 1.76-pound rock bass, which unbeknownst to him would prove to be the new state record.
"I had tossed two rock bass back but decided to keep this one only because it had been hooked deep." he said. "A friend said that this was a large rock bass, and I should have it checked out for a state record."
That proved to be an eventful stroke of fate and good advice, because the fish beat the former record by near one half pound. In addition, the 39-year-old hunting outfitter later released an even larger rock bass not knowing he was dealing with epic specimens of the species. The fish he was principally after were also biting, with Reece landing several smallmouth bass from 2 to 3 pounds.
Although called a bass, rock bass more closely resemble sunfish or panfish as evidenced by the record fish measuring 13 inches long with a 12.5-inch girth. Rock bass are easily distinguished from other sunfish by its red eyes.
Reece loves to take his two children fishing. Daughter Jamie was with him when he landed the record bass and couldn’t believe its size. She’ll have frequent reminders of the day, because the fish is already at the taxidermist and will grace the family’s home.
Rock bass have been introduced to several waters in northeastern Wyoming including LAK Reservoir, Lake DeSmet and the Tongue River. The species prefers pools in rubble-bottomed streams but also does well in lakes and ponds. Spawning and food habits - being readily caught on worms and flies - are similar to those of most sunfishes. A Sheridan County pond also yielded the previous state record. Caught June 7, 1996, it weighed 1.29 pounds.
Two anglers share the North American rock bass record with fish weighing 3 pounds even. The latest was caught in the York River, Ontario in August 1994 and the other in Sugar Creek, Ind. in June 1969.
FOR ILLEGAL FISH
STOCKING INFO
Wyoming G&F
CASPER - With illegal fish stockings persisting in the Cowboy State despite a public information campaign, the Wyoming Wildlife Protector's Association is trying another approach: a bounty.
The association, which administers the "Stop Poaching" program in Wyoming, is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to the conviction of anyone illegally stocking fish in Wyoming. The offer stems from a rash of fish species showing up outside their native range or in locations unauthorized by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.
Those illegal introductions include ling or burbot - a species native to the Big Horn Basin - and white suckers being discovered throughout the Green River drainage; walleye, smallmouth bass and perch in the Bear River drainage; walleye in Lake DeSmet, Yesness Pond in Casper and Granite Reservoir between Cheyenne and Laramie; and brook stickleback in the North Platte and Big Horn rivers. Piranhas and some other aquarium species were also discovered in a pond near Cheyenne this spring.
"Illegal stocking is a serious violation that has the potential to severely damage fisheries the Game and Fish and anglers have worked hard to establish," said Mike Stone, Game and Fish fisheries chief.
Because the violation rarely leaves any physical evidence that can be linked to a violator, Stone said the department has made illegal stocking an enforcement priority and hopes the reward will help serve as both a deterrent and to produce convictions.
"Dealing with the illegal introductions also diverts manpower and budget away from other projects," Stone said.
Specifically in Wyoming, it is unlawful to:
-- plant fish or fish eggs without the consent of the Game and Fish
-- transport live fish or live fish eggs from the water of capture - including in the boat's live well
-- release aquarium fish or unused baitfish
Anyone with information about an illegal fish introduction, even if it's second-hand, is urged to contact your local game warden or call the "Stop Poaching" hotline at (800) 442-4331.
Concerned public can also contribute to the association's violation reward fund by sending checks to: Wyoming Wildlife Protector's Association, P.O. Box 1714, Dubois, WY 82513.
BRINGS SPECIAL CHALLENGES
Wyoming G&F
LARAMIE - During the boating seasons of the last five years, Wyoming experienced 19 boating related fatalities. This season there has already been one. Fatalities were attributed to cold-water drowning, and many could have been avoided.
"Life jackets are the single most important item in boat safety," says Roger Bredehoft, Laramie game warden. According to Wyoming Watercraft Regulations, a serviceable life jacket or personal flotation device of correct size must be available for every passenger, and the G&F recommends wearing them.
"People think that if they fall over the side, or if the boat capsizes, they may go under once, but will come up and have a chance to put on their PFD, but this is not always the case," says Bredehoft. "When a boater lands in cold water they often gasp, it's a reflex, and they may never get their head above water. Even if they do, floating in 50-degree water is not the best time to be struggling with buckles and straps."
Even if a person is wearing a PFD, being submerged in Wyoming's cold water could prove deadly. "Water temperatures are only in the 50 degree range this time of year, making hypothermia a serious risk," says Bredehoft.
Hypothermia means losing heat faster than your body can produce it, and immersion in water below 70-degrees can lead to cold-water immersion hypothermia (acute hypothermia) very quickly.
"The chance of survival is poor the longer you're in the cold water," says Bredehoft. Boaters should seek medical help immediately if anyone begins to show signs of hypothermia including uncontrollable shivering, overall poor coordination, slurred speech, memory lapse, muscle rigidity, drowsiness and unconsciousness.
"Most boaters know that boating under the influence of alcohol is illegal and life threatening. Many boaters have a designated operator if they choose to drink," says Bredehoft. "We encourage everyone to consider this before they head out: 50 percent of all drowning victims have been drinking and one-third of drowning victims were legally intoxicated; 60 percent of all drowning victims did not intend to be in the water -- they either fell or were pushed into the water."
Jumping in to save victims, unless you are trained, is not a good idea either. According to water safety experts, people who jump in to save a friend or family member, often end up drowning too.
Boating accidents can also be caused by equipment that is in poor operating condition. Boats should be soundly built, free of fire and safety hazards, and should contain all of the safety equipment that is required by the Wyoming Watercraft Regulations.
Even if a boat and its equipment are in top condition many other factors that can cause boating accidents, and weather is a big one. Anyone who has lived in Wyoming for even a short time knows how quickly the weather can change. A calm, cloudless day can suddenly become stormy and a small gust of wind can quickly turn into 20 to 35 mile-per-hour sustained winds.
"Plan for poor weather conditions," Bredehoft said. "Know what you and your boat can handle before you go out."
And finally, boaters should be familiar with the Wyoming Watercraft Regulations, which are available at any Game and Fish office or at the G&F web page at Wyoming Watercraft Regulations, or by calling your local Game and Fish Office for more information.
We encourage you to play safe; don't be a statistic this boating season.