CHEYENNE - Separate lake and stream trout limits in some drainages and a statewide brook trout limit independent of the trout limit for other species highlight the 2008-09 proposed fishing regulations to be presented at public meetings across Wyoming in May.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is also proposing to restrict the holder of a seining permit from transferring baitfish to other anglers.

Dirk Miller, Game and Fish fisheries management coordinator, said his staff put considerable emphasis on proposing simplified and standardized limits across Wyoming. "We are reducing the number of different special trout regulations per drainage and standardizing where we can," he said.

The proposed statewide brook trout limit would be 16 fish a day with a maximum of six over 8 inches. The Green River drainage would have a creel limit on streams of three trout, with only one over 16 inches in 2008-09. The Game and Fish is also proposing a separate sauger limit of two fish. Currently, sauger and walleye are included in a combined limit.

From comments received at fish regulation scoping meetings held in March, the Game and Fish decided not to pursue an earlier proposal of liberalizing possession limits. "With the extensive changes we were proposing, the good feedback received at the scoping meetings really helped us whittle down and fine tune a better package of proposals for the final meetings," Miller said.

In addition, fish biologists presented the initial proposals to fishing and outdoor clubs in February and March.

Watercraft regulations will also be discussed at the meetings. The most significant change being proposed is to require anyone 12 years and younger to wear life jackets while the watercraft is underway. This change would make Wyoming consistent with U.S. Coast Guard regulations

The meetings begin at 7 p.m. at the following locations:
May 7    Green River   G&F Office
May 8    Pinedale        Sublette County Library
May 9    Jackson         G&F Office
May 10  Lander           G&F Office
May 14  Casper           G&F Office
May 15  Powell           Northwest College, Fagerberg Hall
May 16  Sheridan        G&F Office
May 17  Laramie         Albany County Library

The Game and Fish supports the Americans with Disabilities Act. Every effort will be made for reasonable accommodations by contacting the nearest Game and Fish office.
(contact: Dirk Miller or Jeff Obrecht (307) 777-4600)