Multiple Fly Rigs In Fly Only Zones

[jdmidwest]

While reading another article on here, they were talking about using multiple fly rigs in trout parks. Is that legal in the Fly only sections? Using a dropper will increase the number of hook points on the terminal end of the rig and could be interpreted as a violation from a local game warden. How does everyone really interpret the MO rule on the definition of a fly? It is a definition that needs to be revised to reflect more modern materials.

A fly is a lure constructed on a single-point hook, of feathers, tinsel, chenille, yarn, fur, hair, silk, rayon or nylon thread or floss, with or without a spinner.

[Greg]

There was another thread on this subject a few months ago. Did you see it?

http://ozarkanglers.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=5590

I think the consensus was that they were OK.

Greg

[jdmidwest]

The consensus was that they were ok, but the reasons were loosely supported. I fished next to a game warden and loaned him a dropper does not make it legal. The link from Tims fly is broken. I have had agents research some of my questions and found they learn something from time to time. I questioned possession of trout from other parts of the state and/or other states in a vehicle in a parking lot of an area that had a more restrictive limit. Come to find out, we had both broke the laws per the letter, unintentionally, and I learned what the freezer at Montauk store is for. If I stopped at 11 pt river with an Arkansas limit of trout on the way home to look at the river, I could have violated the law of MO in the area, both for quantity and size depending on the access.

The winter catch and release and winter trout programs are fly only events. Has anyone ever been confronted by an agent and told they are not legal? It has been my experience that they tiptoe around this subject when questioned. Just interested in more thoughts on the matter.

Point is, MDC needs to revise the rules to support modern methods and materials.

Is a glue stick egg legal in fly only trout areas?

[jjtroutbum]

The following post was taken from another major nation wide forum and I believe the poster Brian Greer may post here also. And it is a end all questions answer.

"Ok folks,

I e-mailed Mr. Mike Kruse from the Mo. Dept. of Conservation. He is the fisheries program supervisor.

He also specifically deals with regulations.

Here is what he e-mailed back to me:

Mr. Greer:

Thanks for your inquiry about use of dropper flies in the trout parks.

Feel free to share this response with other anglers who may have the

same question.

"Dropper flies" are permitted anywhere flies are permitted. As

long as each fly satisfies the definition of a fly, you may use multiple

flies on the same leader. The Wildlife Code contains the following

definitions of flies, lures and baits:

3 CSR 10-20.805 Definitions

(23) Flies, lures and baits:

(A) - Natural and scented baits - A natural fish food such as bait

fish, crayfish, frogs permitted as bait, grubs, insects, larvae, worms,

salmon eggs, cheese, corn and other food substances not containing any

ingredient to stupefy, injure or kill fish. Does not include flies or

artificial lures. Includes dough bait, putty or paste-type bait, any

substance designed to attract fish by taste or smell and any fly, lure

or bait containing or used with such substances.

( Soft plastic bait (unscented) - Synthetic eggs, synthetic worms,

synthetic grubs and soft plastic bait.

© Artificial Lure - A lure constructed of any material excluding soft

plastic bait and natural and scented baits as defined in (A) or (

above.

(D) Fly - Artificial lure constructed on a single-point hook, using

any material except soft plastic bait and natural and scented bait as

defined in (A) or ( above, that is tied, glued or otherwise

permanently attached.

Furthermore, the Wildlife Code in 3 CSR 10-6.410 has additional

information on general fishing methods. Each angler may use up to 33

hooks at one time, so fly fishers can legally use several dropper flies

on one leader. While there is no minimum or maximum separation distance

required between flies on the leader, anglers fishing in "flies

only" areas need to keep enough distance between flies so that the

"single-point hook" provision in the fly definition is maintained.

One additional item that fly anglers need to keep in mind when fishing

dropper flies is that game fish may not be snagged. Foul-hooking is

more common when dropper flies are used and any trout not hooked in the

mouth must be released immediately.

Let me know if you have any additional questions.

Mike

So there you have it.....from the source."

While the warden who received my dropper my not have been a good enough answer as far as legality for you. Hopefully this forwarded note from the "MAN" helps confirm it.

JJ

[timsfly]

I have a letter from the dept. of Conservation posted at the shop, that says that droppers are OK and that in fact you can use multiples of five single point hooks if you so desired, two is plenty for me, I can't keep them out of my net as it is. But droppers are legal according to the D.O.C.

I use the hot glue eggs and I have been told they are legal, but you might check with wardens in your area, they are not plastic and they are not rubber and they are glued on a hook, I guess as long as they are not on a treble hook they would be acceptable in the fly only areas for all of Missouri.

[Greg]

It sounds like that is a definitive answer.

Greg

[GregSTC]

I want to compliment Greg Mitchell on the quote by Rick Z.

Greg

[dave potts]

One of these days you are going to need a law degree just to go fishing!

Dave

[Center Punch]

so i guess that an articulated fly(with 2 hooks) would be considered an artificial lure... am i understanding this correctly?

[jjtroutbum]

Good question Jared, the definition states

"Fly - Artificial lure constructed on a single-point hook,"

With nothing about more than one single point hook...My assumption would be that this statement was to limit the use of treble point hooks and not to eliminate articulated flies. However, I would also not be willing to test this theory with out further clarification, when I could just eliminate one of the points from the fly.

JJ