Again,this makes no sense!!

[airborne_angler]

Had a run in earlier this year with a Game Warden for throwing a spoon while fishing for Bass,as the Spoon was "supposed" to meant for Trout(as the Game Warden said).I didnt have a Trout Stamp and I almost got busted.

Well I just went on the Az Game and Fish website for the latest fishing report

This is what I read:

PARKER CANYON Scheduled for trout stocking this week. Fishing for sunfish remains good. Largemouth bass fishing continues to be slow. The store at the lake is open and information on the store and current conditions can be found at www.parkercanyonlake.com.

The following report is courtesy the Parker Canyon Lake Store and Marina:

Fishing was slow for bass and trout this week. The bluegill are still hitting well and the weather has remained good. the water temp has started to drop with the cool morning upon us. Trout stamps are required now for fishing as the have begun the winter stockings.

So this means ANY fishing requires a Trout Stamp? Weather in Az is nice just about year round,so the Bass may still be caught although its winter.

If im Bass fishing(Soft Plastics,Crankbaits,and Spinnerbaits),why do I now need to go get a Trout Stamp? Makes no sense.... How can they enforce such a rule?

If im throwing Nightcrawlers for Bass,or Crawdads for Bass,and I catch a Trout,is that my fault?Bluegill,Catfish,Bass,Trout,Walleye and just about any other freshwater fish will eat Nightcrawlers. Im still scratching my head.

[garry77]

When I lived in PA there were a few stocked trout streams that were also good smallmouth fisheries.You couldn't fish them at all unless trout were in season,let alone without the stamp.Just another way to get your money.It usually goes for a decent cause though like stocking and fishery management.

[slonezp]

You don't have to and they can't enforce it (At least here in IL). Problem is the game warden can make you miserable, give you a ticket, in which to fight, you'll lose a days work. As long as you're not in possesion of said trout you are not breaking any laws. A trout is unable to know the spoon swimming by his mouth is meant for a bass. Here's a thought. Write "Bass Only" on the spoon. If he questions you again show him the lure, and tell him you tried your best to prevent trout from hitting the lure.

[garry77]

You don't have to and they can't enforce it (At least here in IL). Problem is the game warden can make you miserable, give you a ticket, in which to fight, you'll lose a days work. As long as you're not in possesion of said trout you are not breaking any laws. A trout is unable to know the spoon swimming by his mouth is meant for a bass. Here's a thought. Write "Bass Only" on the spoon. If he questions you again show him the lure, and tell him you tried your best to prevent trout from hitting the lure.

I would see which was cheaper the fine or the stamp before I tested that theory,lol.

[airborne_angler]

The spoon I was using was a Kastmaster and the package specifically says its for Pan Sized Bluegill up to Trophy size Gamefish. I called the dept and spoke with a rep and she said as long as I was throwing large baits with Large hooks,all would be ok.

Ok Lets say I try that,but figure out the Bass are in a Finesse Mood and I throw a Dropshot.I catch a few Bass and Inadvertently stick a Trout...My Fault?

I always thought the rule was "No Trout in Possession without a Stamp",now they are saying you cant even hook a trout without a stamp. I dont have underwater vision to be able to tell whats eating my lure. So now I gotta be afraid when I fish because I might get in trouble for accidentally sticking a trout. I wont know its a Trout until I bring it up from the depths,Then I can worry I suppose.

[slonezp]

I have been questioned by the DNR at stocker lakes and Lake Michigan. Never had an issue when I said I was bass fishing. If a nightcrawler or minnow was on the hook can a trout know it's meant for a bass and not for her?

[airborne_angler]

Slone...My argument EXACTLY!!!

[jeb2]

I agree. I don't see how they can enforce it. It's like catching a bass out of season in states that have seasons. You can't get a ticket for it as long as you let it go. How can they tell you need a trout stamp in waters that are also frequented by bass fishermen?

When I lived in MN, if you fished a designated trout stream, you were required to have a trout stamp, IIRC. But that's a different thing as that was, by far, the dominant species in that water.

[SDoolittle]

I don't think it's a way to get your money. It's a way to keep people honest. I used to fish that exact same lake when I was a kid. I could cast a roostertail and catch both bass and trout. Not everyone is honest and ethical. There are some people who are always going to try to get away with something. If they didn't have to buy a trout stamp, there would be people fishing with powerbait and claiming that they were bass fishing.

[airborne_angler]

I cant see spending the $$$ on a Trout Stamp so late in the year,when its only gonna be good from the time I buy it(now) till December 31st.

If they really are gonna enforce this,Ill buy the stamp in the beginning of the year.

[airborne_angler]

Ok heres a new twist on things I didnt know. Arizona Metro Areas have urban lakes,which contain White Amur,Bass,Bluegill,Catfish,and Trout to name a few species. In order to fish the Urban Lakes AT ALL. You need an Urban License,regardless of the species your after.

A General Arizona License wont cut it on these waters.

Same thing,an Urban License cant be used in any other water except Urban.

But here the twist. The urban License,when purchased ,include a trout stamp. Now does this mean its only a trout stamp for Urban waters? I found it in the frequently asked questions section on the Az Game and Fish Website:

Q:Do I need a Trout Stamp for my Urban License?

A:No. Trout fishing privileges are included with the urban fishing license. Learn more about fishing regulations in Arizona by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department's Web site at azgfd.gov/fish.

Q:When do I need a Trout Stamp?

A:If an angler has only a fishing license and is fishing in waters that are primarily trout waters, the angler must have a trout stamp. No trout stamp is required when using an urban fishing license or a combination hunt/fish license. Also, if an angler has only a fishing license and is fishing with bait recognized as bait used for trout in trout-stocked waters, the possession of a trout stamp is required. (ARS 17-333.2) A trout stamp is required for a fishing license when an angler is fishing for trout or possesses trout. If an angler without a trout stamp catches a trout while fishing for other species in waters that are not primarily trout waters, the fisherman should release the trout immediately. Learn more about fishing regulations in Arizona by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department's Web site at azgfd.gov/fish.

If the urban license includes a trout stamp that can be used anywhere in the state,im down for buying that,as I have fished the urban water and they stock some decent Catfish in these waters.

[firefightn15]

The general rule in Wisconsin is that if your fishing any water that has trout, predominate or not, you must have a trout stamp.

[CWB]

The general rule in Wisconsin is that if your fishing any water that has trout, predominate or not, you must have a trout stamp.

Cheeseheads ;D

[gobig]

The reason they make it confusing is so that they can write tickets. It is all about revenue in the name of public safety and the environment. Be a good subject and buy a stamp.

[Captain Obvious]

I'm beginning to see the up side of living in a state that doesn't have trout lol.

[gobig]

We don't have a stamp here but you are a criminal until proven innocent.

[Nice_Bass]

I would just buy a trout stamp- and then throw a large trout swimbait. Warden should have no problem with that.

It is just to keep people honest, which as we know is tough out there nowadays....

I think I have seen too many political commericals...

On the bright side, catch a couple trout and introduce them to lemon, butter, and dill.

[firefightn15]

The general rule in Wisconsin is that if your fishing any water that has trout, predominate or not, you must have a trout stamp.

Cheeseheads ;D

You couldn't survive in this world without us! 

[Uncle Leo]

I cant see spending the $$$ on a Trout Stamp so late in the year,when its only gonna be good from the time I buy it(now) till December 31st.

If they really are gonna enforce this,Ill buy the stamp in the beginning of the year.

Normally a Trout Stamp is only a few bucks. Why such a fuss over a few bucks just to stay in compliance? I am sure the money goes back into the system, ie stocking the trout. I am sure you much like any fisherman wastes at least that on a weekly basis buying lures that do not produce.

[CWB]

Normally a Trout Stamp is only a few bucks. Why such a fuss over a few bucks just to stay in compliance? I am sure the money goes back into the system, ie stocking the trout. I am sure you much like any fisherman wastes at least that on a weekly basis buying lures that do not produce.

Amen

[Uncle Leo]

Normally a Trout Stamp is only a few bucks. Why such a fuss over a few bucks just to stay in compliance? I am sure the money goes back into the system, ie stocking the trout. I am sure you much like any fisherman wastes at least that on a weekly basis buying lures that do not produce.

Amen

Edit: It may take a few weeks to pay back. I just checked the DNR website. A resident Trout Stamp is $ 15.75. Surely giving up buying useless lures for a few weeks is worth saying in compliance.

[SPEEDBEAD.]

Last time, the solution was to just buy a trout stamp and be done with it. You would have all your bases covered.

Why don't you just listen the first time instead of pushing your luck with the game wardens? If it happens again, I hope they give you the maximum fine allowed by law. Maybe then it will sink in.

Stop being dumb and testing the system in the field. If you have a real issue with the law, take it to a representative of your DFG or a rep in your area that sits on the state committee governing your wildlife laws.

You're an adult. Act like it.

[J Francho]

I wish we had a trout stamp here.  Then there would be accountability of those that actually fish for trout.  As it is, the DEC wastes its money on fin clipping machines for hatchery trout, at the expense of closing boat launches early.  Bass/pike/panfish anglers outnumber trout anglers 10 to 1, yet the trout fishery receives all the glory.

Get your trout stamp, and be done with it.  Its hard enough for econ officers and game wardens, being understaffed and underpaid, to enforce the laws.  Don't complicate their jobs, you'll lose.  Instead of being an adversary to those agencies that protect our waters and forests, be a partner.  Be the eyes and ears they cannot have everywhere.  I'm on a first name basis with most of the local guys here, and they appreciate any info about the waters I fish, whether its some illegal activity or just chatting about bad fishing, LOL.

Bottom line, its easier to be squeaky clean and help the cause than it is to walk the line, looking over your shoulder and waiting for fight.

[RobbyZ5001]

I wish we had a trout stamp here. Then there would be accountability of those that actually fish for trout. As it is, the DEC wastes its money on fin clipping machines for hatchery trout, at the expense of closing boat launches early. Bass/pike/panfish anglers outnumber trout anglers 10 to 1, yet the trout fishery receives all the glory.

I thought Ontario's trout fishery was very popular. If they are stocking HUGE numbers then a machine would be nice. Typically biologist will clip a select group of fish being stocked. You can easily clip thousands of fish in a day with a couple people. Do you really think the machines were the reason for the launch closures? Don't they use the machines on Salmon? I would think they would want to clip different fins, and try to figure out the return rates.

[Grey Wolf]

We could take up a collection to help you out if you're hard up for some cash.