Northwest Fishing Reports

Ok so there are some lakes around the state that are labeled for non-gas powered motors (i.e. electric motors only). If I were to take my boat with a gas powered motor, but only use the electric powered trolling motor, would I be legal? As long as I don't fire it up, is this following the rules? Thoughts?

oh boy...should have been here a week ago....

No, you need to lose the internal combustion engine. Like MAV186 mentioned this has been covered fairly well in a previous post with all of the regs quoted.

Here's the thread they referred to. Simple answer is no, if the lake is listed as no internal combustion enines allowed then they cannot be attached to your boat to be legal to fish from.

bummer... alright thanks everyone

If anyone call the law in on you becasue you have a gass motor on the boat wheathyer or not you use it, it will cost you $250 for the first offense. One year and $5000 for the second offense and lose of fishing licence for life.

This year's Regs pamplet, P.30 under special rules:

Center colum, 2nd paragraph,

Starts with "In the special Rules "Motors Prohibited"............."
"Equipped with" means the motor is attached to the floating device regardless if it is in the water or not.

Download a PDF copy here:
http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/regs/2009/2009sportregs.pdf

FYI - I updated the thread identified by hewesfisher to note that depending on where you live, there may be two sets of regulations you need to be aware of relative to "internal combustion engines" - 1st is the WA State regulations and 2nd is King County ordinances. Other counties may have similar ordinances.

Please check the updated thread for more info.

Tim