Responsible Fishing

All fishermen should do their part to protect and care for our rivers, lakes, and other waterways. By practicing a few simple rules, we can ensure enjoyable fishing for years to come.

First, never litter. Take along a trash bag or garbage can so all refuse can be properly discarded. Tossing garbage into the water is inexcusable. Put trash where it belongs.

Always pay attention to the rules and regulations governing the area in which you're fishing. Check the regulations ahead of time. Certain places have restrictions on the size, number, and type of fish you can keep. There can even be limitations on the type of bait and fishing gear allowed. There are even more rules if you're using a boat. Respect the laws of the land.

Along those same lines, never fish in a restricted area. They're usually off limits for a reason, often serving to protect wildlife and vegetation. Sometimes it's to even protect your safety, so obey all posted signs and warnings.

When using a watercraft, pay particular attention to its proper maintenance. In some lakes, you'll be required to clean the watercraft after leaving the water. If the appropriate steps aren't taken, your craft can spread potentially dangerous conditions or non-native species, like the Zebra Mussel, to the next body of water your boat visits. If you're good to the fishing environment, the fishing environment will be good to you.