Northwest Fishing Reports

I'm just wondering how you know if you can take a gas motor (no matter if your going to use it or not) on to a small lake. There is a wdfw ramp but no sign that says electric motor only. I dont plan on using the big motor but I cant take it off so its gotta stay on. But if I did want to use it there's got to be a speed limit of some kind? How do you find that out. Ive only been to this lake two times in an aluminum but I sold that and I want to go back! Nothing in the regs book says if the lake has any restrictions so whats the best bet?

I have always just called the WDWF when I've had the same question. I just ask them the motor restrictions for the specific lake I'm going to and they have always had the info for me.

Last year I did a ton of poking around/calls on this subject. ( I am sitting on jury duty at the moment, so I have to wait to go home to access my emails.) I will say that that according to the WDFW when they talk in the regs. about gas motor restrictions etc. this (Only) speaks to a vessel that is being fished from. Of course I know you are there fishing, but you could be there on a lake that is said to be electric only via. the fishing regs. and if you aren't fishing they told me it wasn't their concern.
I was referred to calling the seperate county level govt. offices to check lake by lake for their restrictions. If I remember the best info. came from asking to speak with each counties "Water unit" police officer or corrections officer. It was some sort of term that was called "The Water Unit" officer. I know this sounds all sort of vague, but it was the most difficult thing to get accurate info. I even called the Sheriffs dept. for various counties.

I put it to them like this,, I mean there has to be rules governing every body of water in some way or another.
I asked them about what if I had a little one acre lake way out in the Psayten Wilderness area near the Okanogan, and I wanted to know the rules for that lake...... what do I do?
I will look back at my notes when I get home. But here in the Metro area if it's not posted at the lake, and it's not posted in the regs, then I think you are just fine. You certainly can show any authorities that you did your homework before going in.

Yea I called wdfw and they said there are no restrictions for fishing but I should call the county for additional boating questions. So I did that and found no red flags on the subject but was giving another number to a guy that specifically works with this body of water. Only got his voicemail but Ill call back later. Seems to be the same rout you speak of quadradomus. Thanks guys.

At least your on the right track!

To be honest with you, if it is not in the regs, and there is a developed boat ramp but, no restrictions on a sign, I'd not worry about it too much.

In this state, they post signs about everything, including what eye color the fisherman has to have, at every developed launch.

If the lake of pond does not have restrictions in the regs, and it does not have a developed ramp, is it a private pond? If so, find out who ownes it and they will give you there restrictions.

Calling the county is a good idea, but for the most part, if it was restricted they would have it posted already.

Now that does not mean you should be stupid. In a small lake or pond, don't put down the big motor and run around at 30 MPH. Keep the speed down to no wake (< 5 MPH) and no one will care.

Anglinarcher wrote:In a small lake or pond, don't put down the big motor and run around at 30 MPH. Keep the speed down to no wake (< 5 MPH) and no one will care.

Someone always cares, remember that.

Or just drop that big Merc down in that water and let her rip! See who you can piss off that day!

this issue is a real drag for us anglers. We try to post the info when we find out about it but it is tough. If you ever find out specifcs on a lake please besue to add it to a report if you post a report and it isn't mentioned in the lake overview. Thanks!