Slot sizes

[Mikey]

Help!! I've looked into the regulations for the bull shoals tailwaters, but I can't find an exact description of the slot limit sizes and wether they apply to all trout (likely not to brookies) or just browns. I know that when fishing the lower ill under tenkiller I typically release everything I catc h unless I have the unfortunate luck of hooking a rainbow a little deeper than I'd like. Thankfully that rarely happens as I've only taken a total of 4 fish home with me over a dozen or so trips up there.

So here is my question: What is legal to keep and what do I do if I happen to hook a trout too deep that is not legal to keep? Goodness knows I'm all for conservation but it just seems right that if the trout won't make it to cull it from the river? I'm confused and not wanting a fine or the embarrassment.

And yes I am a noob to the white river trout runs so be gentle on me, you might run across me up there next month.

Mikey

[Terry Beeson]

From www.agfc.com

"Daily limit: Anglers may keep up to five trout (rainbow, brown, cutthroat, brook and lake) in one day. Of these:

No more than two brown trout or two cutthroat trout (at least 16 inches long) may be retained;

No more than two brook trout at least 14 inches long may be retained. Fish cannot be retained in a catch-and-release area."

That is from the 2006 trout book. AGFC has not posted the new 2007 Trout guide book on the web. When you get to the area, the first thing you should do is pick up the AGFC Fishing Guidelines and Trout Guidelines booklets at most any store that sells tackle or license.

There was a rumor of some slot changes, but not sure. Most of the time, the AGFC posts special regs at the major accesses, so be sure to read that bulletin board before you step in the water...

[Guest flyfishBDS]

Definately read the special regs for each river _ grab that trout fishing rgs book

Beaver Tailwater has a slot, and new regs on the Little Red in a post in that board here. Bull is yet ot move in that direction

Cheers

Steve

[Mikey]

Thanks for the info. I was under the impression it was just a blanket slot regulation, but now I see that it is specific to the waters fished. I will definitely pay attention when I'm up there next month.

Mikey

[LostMyWife]

Are the regs listed on-site like they do at the hatchery at the places that you mention?

[tippett]

You won't need the book if you practice catch and release! But saying that I sure do Like the taste of smoked trout.

Tippett

[Terry Beeson]

LMW,

Yes. As I said in my post, be sure to check out the bulletin board at every access you go to. AGFC is pretty good about posting any special regs at the sites/accesses.

Of course, I've seen people who apparently can't read at those places...

tippett,

Arkansas has a "one single barb hook" regulation in most C&R areas and other regs, so even C&R fishermen need to read the book.

[Mikey]

As I said, I typically do catch and release. However, the fishing party I will be traveling with do plan on smoking a few stockers while we are there. He mentioned trout and eggs for breakfast. Not sure how I feel about it, but since I'm not cooking, it sounds good to me.

Mikey

[shawncat]

Mickey,dont worry about the embarrassment most fishermen down at the White have deep hooked a trout or two it happens. Worry about the fine.I think they are all around $175 bucks.You will also get points against your hunting and fishing license similar to traffic points on your drivers license.One good way to prevent deep hooks is to fish barbless hooks.

[Mikey]

I Plan on crimping my barbs down before I go up there. Hate being embarrassed by a fish that whoops me in the water while I'm trying to get a tiny chunk of metal from a tinier flap of skin. I reckon if any of them do get hooked too deep one can always cut their tippet, right?

Mikey