Thread: Moving to Tacoma

Originally Posted by Shoemoo

I'm not aware of any lakes that have size limits on motors, but on most lakes the speed is 'no wake'. Lakes that have other rules will be posted at the lake. Some lakes prohibit internal combustion engines, in which case you have to remove your outboard and boats with inboard motors are not allowed.

It would be a good idea to peruse the WA state sportfishing regulations. Many lakes have individual regs. These are the 07 regs, but they are in effect until the end of April when the 08 fishing season starts (sometimes later if they're late printing the new booklet). If a lake isn't listed, it means that it is open year round and the standard regulations apply.

http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/regs/2007/2007sportregs.pdf

Actually, I don't think the law requires you remove the outboard, I believe it allows you to have it in a raised position out of the water and you just use your trolling motor, I've fished Swafford pond that way many days and the game wardens were standing right there.

Clear Lake allows motors, but is not open year round. It opens at the end of April and closes the end of October.

Originally Posted by brokentrail

Actually, I don't think the law requires you remove the outboard, I believe it allows you to have it in a raised position out of the water and you just use your trolling motor, I've fished Swafford pond that way many days and the game wardens were standing right there.

Check the bottom of page 32:

References in the Special Rules to "motors prohibited" means that fishing from a floating device equipped with a motor is prohibited. "Internal combustion motors prohibited" means that fishing from a floating device equipped with an internal combustion motor is prohibited. "Equipped with" means the motor is attached to the floating device, regardless of whether the motor is in the water.

Perhaps the rules were changed last year, or perhaps the wardens just didn't feel like giving you a ticket. But they could have.

[QUOTE=brokentrail]Actually, I don't think the law requires you remove the outboard, I believe it allows you to have it in a raised position out of the water and you just use your trolling motor, I've fished Swafford pond that way many days and the game wardens were standing right there.

[QUOTE] I was at Beaver Lake and asked the Game warden at the launch about the gas motors on the back of boats(tilted up out of the water) cause there were 3 boats out there with it on the boats but using electric trolling motors, he said it is the County Sheirff that can write the tickets not the WDFW. But the gas motors are not allowed on boats on lakes with gas motor restrictions.

The prohibition phrase appears to be very vague to me. It keeps stating fishing, so what if your on the lake skiing. I bet that restriction could be fought out in court, but I will just have to find a body of water that allows motors. No need in getting in a mess.

Shoemoe,

Your definitely right after reading that, guess I've just been lucky so far, nor do I plan to unmount my 115 Yamaha off the Skeeter.... Maybe I better quit going down there before my luck runs out.

Hey Tex, you find the regs here: http://www.co.pierce.wa.us/pc/abtus/...atersafety.htm 22' size limit, 5mph from sunset until sunrise.

damn slab - where you been?

Originally Posted by bpm2000

damn slab - where you been?

I've been M.I.A for awhile :D. Shoot me a PM when ever you want to reach me. I still check the board. How u been?