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FISHING REGULATIONS AND INFORMATION

SEASONS
All public streams, lakes and ponds are open to fishing throughout the year except some state-owned and managed public fishing lakes. It is illegal to fish in private waters without permission from the owners.

PRIVATE LANDS AND WATERS
It is illegal to fish in public waters on or from posted private land without the owner’s permission.

MEANS OF CATCHING GAME FISH
It is illegal to take, catch or kill, or attempt to take, catch or kill any game fish by any means other than ordinary hook and line, artificial lure, live bait, troll or spinner in any of the public waters of this State. It is unlawful to use electrical devices, explosives, poisons or firearms to take fish or any species from these waters.

GAME FISH
The following species shall be named and designated as game fish in Alabama: rainbow trout, all members of the sunfish family, including largemouth, shoal, smallmouth, redeye and spotted bass (commonly called trout or green trout), white and black crappie (commonly called white perch), rock bass, shadow bass, flier, warmouth, redbreast, bluegill, longear and shellcracker (commonly called trout or green trout), white and black crappie (commonly called white perch), rock bass, shadow bass, flier, warmouth, redbreast, bluegill, longear and shellcracker (commonly called bream); all members of the bass family including white bass, yellow bass, saltwater striped bass (commonly called rockfish) and hybrid striped bass (a cross between the white bass and the saltwater striped bass); all members of the pike family including redfin, grass and chain pickerel; the following members of the perch family: walleye, sauger (commonly called jack salmon), and yellow perch.

THE BASS ANGLERS INFORMATION TEAM (B.A.I.T.) PROGRAM
BA.I.T. is a voluntary partnership between bass clubs and the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (ADWFF). The intent of the program is to summarize information on bass fishing. This information is of great value to us in the management of reservoir bass populations. It is used by participating clubs to select tournament locations.

Following a bass tournament, a club member fills out a data form on the back of a postcard (a B.A.I.T. card) that provides details regarding the tournament format, the number of participants, and the numbers and weight of bass weighed-in. At the end of each year, the results are compiled and analyzed for every Alabama reservoir and a report is published.

The B.A.I.T. Report ranks each reservoir based on five fishing quality indicators and determines an overall ranking. Reservoirs that rank at or near the top in several quality indicators in the same year have exceptional or outstanding bass fisheries. We try to present this information in a way that is most useful to bass anglers.

The B.A.I.T. Report is used by ADWFF fisheries biologists, in combination with their reservoir surveys, as the basis for fisheries management decisions. B.A.I.T. data allows biologists to identify trends in bass populations and helps them better understand the mechanisms that influence fish populations.

All bass anglers need to recognize that they have an opportunity to participate in the process of managing this extraordinarily valuable resource. Tell your fellow club members and tournament directors their participation is needed. If your club is already participating in this program, we thank you for your continued support. If your club is not participating, but would like to, you simply need to complete and mail a B.A.I.T. card following each tournament. All clubs that participate are included on our mailing list and receive a copy of the Annual Report.

The B.A.I.T. program has proven to be a significant aid to Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division biologists in their efforts to manage the state's reservoirs. The benefits to all bass anglers and to our reservoir bass resources are expected to continue, thanks to the cooperation and enthusiasm of bass clubs participating as members of the Bass Anglers Information Team. To enter your club in the B.A.I.T. program or for more information, including a copy of the Annual Report, contact the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division at 334-353-0270 or Damon.Abernathy@dcnr.alabama.gov. Information about the B.A.I.T. program is also available at the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division web site, www.OutdoorAlabama.com.

CREEL AND POSSESSION LIMITS AND SIZE LIMITS
Detailed information on creel and possession limits and size limits is provided on page --. Please familiarize yourself thoroughly with this information. You should also notice that size limits for the various fish species are not the same on all public waters. Be sure and check this information for each body of water you plan to fish. Should you have questions, you may contact any Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries Division Fisheries Biologist or Conservation Enforcement Officer or call (334) 242-3471 for assistance.

USE OF BREAM FOR BAIT
All species of bream may be used as bait as long as a person does not have in his possession total bream numbers in excess of the daily creel limit, regardless of size and they are harvested legally. Other native game fish may not be used for bait.

SALE OF GAME FISH
It is unlawful to sell any game fish from Alabama or in Alabama from another state except (1) game fish raised in hatcheries and sold for stocking ponds and lakes; (2) non-native game fish (trout, salmon, etc.) raised for human consumption or (3) largemouth bass, shellcracker and bluegill bream raised in farm ponds, which may be sold under permit from the Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries Division Office.

TROTLINES
It is illegal to (1) fish trotline or snag line within 25 feet of the bank unless end of line is tied or anchored with at least six feet of 100 percent cotton line (untreated), and (2) fish a trotline, snag line, set line, commercial fishing net, slat boxes or wire baskets within one-half mile below any lock, dam or powerhouse. Nonresidents fishing trotlines are limited to 100 hooks total.

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WIRE BASKETS
Wire baskets may be used only in certain counties to harvest nongame fish for personal consumption only. Persons holding a commercial fishing license may not fish with wire baskets. No fish taken in wire baskets may be sold or offered for sale. All game fish taken in the baskets must be immediately returned to the water. All baskets must be clearly marked with the valid wire basket license number and name of person using and owning the basket. It is illegal for any one person to fish with more than four wire baskets. Consult the Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries Regulation Book or local Conservation Enforcement Officer to determine number of baskets and locations where wire baskets are legal.

GIGS OR GRABBLING
Commercial or nongame fish may be legally taken by gigs or by grabbling by hand by persons possessing a valid sport fishing license.

FILLETING FISH
It is unlawful to fillet a fish while fishing or to possess fillets of fish while on public waters, except when fish are being prepared for immediate cooking and consumption; provided, however, that the fish may be drawn or gutted with heads left attached.

SPEARFISHING
The spearing of nongame or commercial fish solely for the purpose of sport in all waters of this state, both fresh and salt, is legal provided that the person engaged in the act of spearing is completely submerged and possesses a spearfishing license. This license is issued by the Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries Division, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, 64 N. Union Street, Suite 567, Montgomery, AL 36104, (334) 242-3465. For application packet call 334-242-3465 or e-mail joeanne.stjohn@dcnr.alabama.gov or visit our website at www.outdooralabama.com.

SNAGGING
It is unlawful to take fish by snagging on the Chattahoochee River or its impoundments, the Tennessee River or its impoundments, and state owned public fishing lakes.

BOWFISHING EQUIPMENT
Any longbow, straight or recurve, crossbow or compound bow may be used for bowfishing; only solid fiberglass or solid metal arrows may be used or in possession. Barbed bowfishing heads shall not have sharpened cutting surfaces. Heads shall be designed so that the barbs may be reversed or removed to permit removal of the arrow from the fish. One end of a line having a minimum breaking strength of forty (40) pounds, and a minimum length of forty (40) feet must be attached to the arrow being used, and the other end of the line must be attached to the bow or some type of reel which is attached to the bow. Licensed sport fishermen may take any of the following fish at any time by bowfishing: shad, white amur, shark, mullet, or any fish designated as commercial or nongame except sturgeon, paddlefish or other protected species, provided however, that only two alligator gar per person per day may be taken. Consult the Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries Regulation Book for special bowfishing regulations and exceptions.

TAKING MINNOWS AND SHAD FOR BAIT
It is legal to take minnows and shad by the use of a cast net, minnow jug, minnow basket, not to exceed 24 inches in length, 12 inches in diameter, with funnel entrance not more than one inch in diameter, dip net or minnow seine, the length of which shall not exceed 25 feet and the width or depth of which shall not exceed 4 feet for the purpose of taking shad or minnows for the exclusive use as fish bait. All game fish and all commercial or nongame fish taken by nets or seines must be immediately returned to the water from whence they came with the least possible injury. Dip nets may be used to land legally caught fish.

MUSSEL HARVEST FOR BAIT
Licensed anglers may use their hands, a rake or dip net not wider than 24 inches to collect the Asiatic Clam Corbicula for fish bait.

ZEBRA MUSSEL ALERT
The zebra mussel is an exotic species of freshwater mussel that has colonized many Southern bodies of water, including the Tennessee River system. These mussels can disrupt freshwater food chains and may cause major changes in some fish populations. Boaters are one of the major contributors to the spread of zebra mussels from infested to uninfested waters. To report zebra mussel sightings or for more information contact: Alabama Sea Grant Extension in Mobile at (251) 438-5690.

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PUBLIC WATER STOCKING
It shall be unlawful to intentionally stock or release any fish, mussel, snail, crayfish or their embryos including bait fish into the public waters of Alabama under the jurisdiction of the Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries as provided in Rule 220-2-42 except those waters from which it came without the written permission of a designated employee of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources authorized by the Director of the Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries to issue such permit. The provisions of this rule shall not apply to the incidental release of bait into the water during the normal process of fishing.

LIFE JACKET REQUIREMENTS BELOW DAMS
It is unlawful for any person to operate any vessel on the waters of Alabama within 800 feet below a hydroelectric dam and/or navigation lock and dam unless each person aboard, including the operator, is wearing a securely fastened U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device Type I, II or III or V.

PUBLIC BOATING ACCESS AREAS
Public access areas include state-owned and/or operated boat launching ramps, associated parking lots, piers and any real or personal property within the boundaries of such areas. Such public access areas are for the uses of pleasure boating, hunting and fishing. Picnicking is allowed only where tables are provided. The following is a synopsis of regulations for use of such areas, and is intended as a general guide for the boating public. Please refer to the Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries Regulation Book for specific interpretation.

It is ILLEGAL to:
· Litter · Camp or build fires · Loiter · Discharge firearms · Consume alcoholic beverages · Swim, dive, jump or sunbathe within 50 feet of any ramp or pier · Block ramp, pier or approach with vehicles or trailers · Operate any unlicensed vehicle such as ATVs · Solicit, sell, advertise or install signs · Destroy, damage, cut or remove any tree, bush, shrub, plant or flower · Operate commercial, industrial or construction equipment such as barges without written approval obtained from the Fisheries Section, 64 N. Union St., Suite 551, Montgomery, AL 36104.

All other state laws apply and are enforced on public access areas. Boating access area maps are available upon request from the district fisheries office.

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PUBLIC FISHING LAKES

Note: All anglers 12 years old and older must have a valid permit in possession to legally fish. No child younger than 12 years old can legally be left unaccompanied by an adult at a public fishing lake. All daily creel, possession and size limits are posted at each lake. Fishingtime is limited to daylight hours or as specified by lake manager. No method other than hook and line with natural or artificial bait may be used at public fishing lakes. All anglers must exhibit their catch, fishing permit and fishing license to Conservation Officer or Lake Manager upon demand. All fish must be carried to the Lake Manager who must count and weigh them.

All state lakes are designated as wildlife sanctuaries. Following is a synopsis of regulations for state-owned public fishing lakes and is intended as a general guide. Please refer to the Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries Regulation Book for complete regulations.

It is ILLEGAL to:
· Stock fish into public fishing lakes, including minnows, which are legal bait · Sell fish caught from public fishing lakes · Use any minnow as bait except for goldfish, shiners or toughies (fatheads) · Operate gasoline outboard motors except where permitted · Camp, swim, wade or use sailboats · Launch any boat without a permit · Be unruly or disorderly · Solicit, sell or advertise · Remove shrubs, wildflowers, trees or plants · Deface or destroy state property · Exceed posted speed limits · Operate unlicensed vehicles such as ATVs · Hunt, trap, pursue, catch or sell any wild bird or wild animal, or possess any firearm or bow and arrow.

COMMERCIAL FISHING
This site covers only freshwater sport fishing laws and regulations. For information on freshwater commercial fishing or musseling, contact the Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries Division, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, (334) 242-3465 or nearest district office.

COMMUNITY FISHING PROGRAM
In 1995, a major initiative to bring fishing opportunities to urban dwellers became a reality when the Division of Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries launched the Community Fishing Program in cooperation with Alabama municipalities. Recognizing the shift in population from rural to urban areas, the program promotes fishing as wholesome fun for youth in Alabama cities and towns. From small communities to sprawling metropolitan areas, towns and cities throughout the State are all eligible to participate.
The Alabama Division of Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries partners with local communities or civic groups. The division provides expertise, block off nets and loaner tackle. Communities and/or civic groups provide a location, volunteers and fish. The result is a lot of fun for everyone. Community events attracting participants are proof of the success of this program. To learn how to have a community fishing event in your community, contact your local district fisheries supervisor or Doug Darr, Fisheries Section, 64 N. Union Street, Montgomery, AL 36104, 334-242-3884. Our web address is: www.outdooralabama.com.

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BOATING SAFETY
The Roberson-Archer Act of 1994 mandates that every operator of a motorized vessel, age 12 or older, must be licensed. The Boating Safety Enhancement Act of 2001 mandates that anyone who turned 12 years old after January 1, 2002, may, after obtaining a vessel license, operate a vessel only if an adult 21 years old or older with a boating license, is onboard and in a position to take immediate control of the vessel. A licensed operator, 14 years old or older, may operate alone. Possession of a certificate validating successful completion of a state-approved boating course is not the same thing as an operator’s license.

Boater certification examinations will be conducted at motor vehicle driver’s license examination locations by the Department of Public Safety. A one-time fee of $5 will be charged. Persons who were 40 years of age or over on April 28, 1994 are exempt from examinations, but are required to obtain a boater safety certification.
Vessel operators may have their boater safety certification suspended or revoked for operating a boat under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance, or reckless or careless operation of a vessel. For more information, contact the Marine Police Division at (334) 242-3673.

BOATING OPERATOR LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

The Roberson-Archer Act and The Boating Safety Enhancement Act of 2001 mandates that
no one under the age of 12 may operate a motorized vessel, and that every vessel operator be licensed and have the license in possession at the time of operation.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS FOR ALABAMA RESIDENTS:

Must be 12 years old or older, but cannot operate alone until the age of 14. Operators 12
or 13 years old, after obtaining the vessel operator's license, can only operate if an adult 21
years old or older with a vessel operator's license in possession, is onboard and seated in a
position to take immediate control of the vessel if necessary. A licensed operator, 14 years old
or older, may legally operate without supervision. Possession of a certificate of completion for
a boating course is not a vessel license.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-RESIDENTS:

Non-residents 12 years old and older, may operate on Alabama waters up to 45 days per calendar year without obtaining a vessel operator's license. However, operators 12 or 13 years old, can only operate if an adult 21 years old or older who either has a vessel operator's license in possession or who falls under the 45 day exemption period, is onboard and seated in a position to take immediate control of the vessel if necessary. If operating a vessel for more than
45 days, the non-resident must get an Alabama Non-Resident Vessel Operator's License. Nonresidents who have obtained a vessel certification or license from their home state, may use that in lieu of the Alabama Non-Resident Vessel Operator's License.

For information on obtaining a vessel operator's license, see page 54, contact the Marine
Police Division at (334) 242-3673, or visit www.outdooralabama.com and click on Boating.

SALTWATER FISHING

For information on saltwater fishing license requirements, size and possession limits, contact the Marine Resources Division, P O Drawer 458, Gulf Shores, AL 36547, (251) 968-7576.

POND MANAGEMENT

Ponds provide more fishing opportunities than most types of waters in Alabama. Alabamians utilizing ponds for fishing provide needed funding for sport fish restoration. There are more than 50,000 fish ponds in Alabama. Manmade fish ponds greatly alleviate the fishing pressure on our public streams and lakes. Therefore, the Wildlife & Freshwater
Fisheries Division is vitally interested in this popular resource. Proper stocking and management will provide years of excellent fishing for bass, bluegill and shellcracker.

Sustaining good fishing in ponds requires proper design, stocking with appropriate fish species and ongoing fish management. Ponds should be thought of as gardens because all the basic gardening principles also apply to pond management. The Division of Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries provides, at nominal cost, bluegill, redear sunfish (shellcracker) and largemouth bass for ponds that contain no fish and meet certain other requirements. The
deadline for fish applications is February 1st each year.

Technical assistance is also provided to pond owners at no cost regarding proper management practices such as fertilization, liming, weed control and fish harvest. These management practices are essential to maintaining good fishing in ponds. In particular, proper fertilization results in an abundant food supply for bass and bream, ensuring that they will be abundant and in good condition. Contact a Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries Division Office for assistance.

2007-08 Hunting and Fishing Digest (Pages 1-24)
(File Size 3.7 meg. This may take several minutes to download)
2007-08 Hunting and Fishing Digest (Pages 25-60)
(File Size 1.7 meg)

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