§ 65.14. Catch and release fly-fishing only areas.

 (a)  The Executive Director, with the approval of the Commission, may designate waters as catch and release fly-fishing only areas. The designation of waters as catch and release fly-fishing only areas shall be effective when the waters are so posted after publication of a notice of designation in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.

 (b)  It is unlawful to fish in designated and posted catch and release fly-fishing only areas except in compliance with the following requirements:

   (1)  Fishing may be done with artificial flies and streamers constructed of natural or synthetic materials so long as all flies are constructed in a normal fashion on a single hook with components wound on or about the hook. Anything other than these items is prohibited.

   (2)  Fishing shall be done with tackle which is limited to fly rods, fly reels and fly line with a maximum of 18 feet in leader material or monofilament line attached. Spinning, spincast and casting rods and reels are prohibited.

   (3)  The use or possession of any natural bait, baitfish, fishbait, bait paste and similar substances, fish eggs (natural or molded) or any other edible substance is prohibited.

   (4)  No trout may be killed or had in possession.

   (5)  The program is open to fishing year-round; there is no closed season.

   (6)  Fishing hours are 1 hour before sunrise to 1 hour after sunset.

   (7)  Taking of baitfish or fishbait is prohibited.

   (8)  Wading is permitted unless otherwise posted.

   (9)  A current trout/salmon permit is required.

 (c)  Notwithstanding the requirements of this section an angler in a boat may possess bait and fish caught in compliance with the seasons, sizes and creel limits in effect for the water from which taken, provided that the boat angler floats through the catch and release fly-fishing only area without stopping or engaging in the act of fishing or the boat angler takes out his boat at an access point within the catch and release fly-fishing only area.

   The provisions of this §  65.14 amended under the Fish and Boat Code, 30 Pa. Code § §  2102 and 2307.

   The provisions of this §  65.14 adopted September 23, 2005, effective January 1, 2006, 35 Pa.B. 5261; amended March 28, 2008, effective March 29, 2008, 38 Pa.B. 1468. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (322904).