Thread: Rules or Regulations?

Originally Posted by AtticaFish

I live in Ohio near many small reservoirs with little cover/structure. Most of these lakes are used as water supply for small villages, so I would have to be sure to locate any intake areas.
Does anyone know of any general Ohio regulations for placing manmade structure or should I contact the Dept. of Nat. Resources?

i was wondering the same thing......i wrote an email to the missouri department of conservation and they answered my question within a week!

i would be sure to find out the regulations regardless.....dont want to be caught with your pants down

Slap,
What did the Missouri Fish and Game have to say?

Yeah, pants down with crappie condo in hand probably not good.:o Figured I would find out but might have to get info from 2 places. Most are owned by the city or village and managed by the state.

Anyone have any ideas for making something small enough to chuck in from shore? Big Problem would be to get them to stand vertical and not fall over. I know of 3 reservoirs that no boats are allowed.

I asked a few years ago and I was told it is illegal to put anything into Ohio public waters and you can get a hefty fine for doing so, or for "being caught" doing so. Not sure, if youre gonna take the chance' that I'd do it from the bank. It seems you would have a much better chance of being caught. A lot of guys sink and build stuff in Ohio. I fish East Fork more than anywhere, and with the low water levels right now you can see stake beds all over the place. I don't know anyone who has ever been caught, so I'm not sure what the fine is exactly. You may be able to get permission from a privately owned reservoir, but I doubt it. Especially if it's operated by the state. Guess the biggest question is, how much is that honey hole worth to ya? I nose around on this structure forum all the time to get ideas for stuff that I "would" build if I "could", but I'm not saying I "do". Just be careful where you put it if you do.

Well, I sure can't afford any fines and sure wouldn't want to lose my liscense for any period of time. I seldom see ODNR at the places I go, but that would be the time I do. Will definatley make some calls before I do anything. I know of a few completley private lakes that I can experiment in.

Thanks SpeckWick

Originally Posted by prchjerker

Slap,
What did the Missouri Fish and Game have to say?

they said it is legal, and encouraged.....this was on Lake of the Ozarks directly off our dock

also said boat clearance and both full pool and low pool is essential.....could be held accountable if a boat were to strike the underwater structure.....

good thing lake of the ozarks is DEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP

Originally Posted by AtticaFish

Well, I sure can't afford any fines and sure wouldn't want to lose my liscense for any period of time. I seldom see ODNR at the places I go, but that would be the time I do. Will definatley make some calls before I do anything. I know of a few completley private lakes that I can experiment in.

Thanks SpeckWick

I have never ben checked for a liscense or even approached by anyone on the water. Not ODNR, Watercraft, anyone. Been checked for the safety equipment on the boat in the parking lot once, but that's it. I was on EF Sunday, and when we came off the water there was a truck and trailer parked in the ramp lot with the truck bed half full of skids, PVC pipe and blocks. My guess is the other half of the load was on the boat on the lake. That guy will never get caught, but the guy who tries to hide it will every time. Just seems to be the way it works. You would think that if you got with the proper authorities and showed them exactly what you were planning to sink and how you will do it, that they would give you permission. As long as you're not dumping trash or anything harmful in the lake or putting safety hazards in the boat traffic areas. Thing is, I don't think Ohio DNR wants to mess with it at all.

One place I go has a tree-line very close. Maybe I will just mosey on over and look around for some blowdowns.:D Any structure would help, bank is almost barren, nothing but fist size rocks dropping straight down to 15'. There is one bunch of cattails, but it is so thick, you can only fish the edges. Was thinking of going out this spring and pulling or cutting some to make some holes to fish from shore. Early this summer, I pulled 6 out of a thin edge area only 2' square with a cane pole.

Only been checked once for license. My wife did get a call one night that her car was stolen and parked by the reservoir with no one around. Hmm, go figure. Guess the cop never heard of night fishing before!