Public input is sought on new fishing regulations

The Division of Wildlife Services is seeking input on fishing regulations in Utah.

Biologists are already working on possible fishing changes for 2010. They need ideas no later than June 1 to consider them for next year.

"2010 is still months away, but our biologists need time to consider your idea and determine how practical and biologically sound it is," said Drew Cushing, warm water sport fisheries coordinator for the DWR.

After examining the ideas they receive, biologists will present their final recommendations to the public in September.

"We don't hear from as many individual anglers as we'd like to," Cushing said. "We hope those who don't belong to a fishing group will share their ideas with us, too."

Members of the public can share their ideas with the DWR three different ways:

1. E-mail ideas to DWRComment@utah.gov.

2. Mail ideas to: Sport Fisheries Coordinator

Division of Wildlife Resources

Box 146301

Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6301

3. Attend and share ideas at an upcoming Regional Advisory Council meeting.

Meeting dates, times and locations are as follows:

Southern Region — May 12, 7 p.m., Millard High School, 200 W. Eagle Ave., Fillmore.

Southeastern Region — May 13, 6:30 p.m., John Wesley Powell Museum, 1765 E. Main St., Green River.

Northeastern Region — May 14, 6:30 p.m., Western Park, Room No. 1, 302 E. 200 S., Vernal.

Central Region — May 19, 6:30 p.m., Central Region Conference Center, 1115 N. Main St., Springville.

Northern Region — May 20, 6 p.m., Brigham City Community Center, 24 N. 300 W., Brigham City.

The public can read about the ideas biologists are considering at www.wildlife.utah.gov/public_meetings/next.php.

The following are two highlights:

Community fishing waters — Improve fishing at Utah's 39 community fishing waters by reducing the number of fish anglers can keep.

Currently, anglers can keep up to four fish at these waters. To improve fishing, community parks and recreation directors and individual anglers have asked the DWR to lower the limit.

"These waters receive a lot of fishing pressure," Cushing said. "Most of the fish we stock are caught two or three days after we stock them. Then fishing usually slows down until we can stock the water again."

Cushing says lowering the limit would keep fish in these waters for a longer period of time. And that would improve fishing for everyone.

"Each time you went out, you'd have a better chance at catching a fish because many of the fish we stocked would still be in the water," he said.

Based on suggestions from the directors and from anglers, biologists recommend lowering the daily limit at the community waters to two fish a day. They're also recommending that largemouth bass be protected under a catch-and-release only regulation.