Well, at least someone in the boat landed one

[davkrat]

I was always told to just fold the steelhead card up bigger than the license and keep them both in the same holder. That way the wardens can see that you are legit from a distance. I've never been stopped by one but I know they have given me the once over with binos before. I once saw one at a mountain lake with a spotting scope mounted on his window checking out the fisherman on the lake.

[ALAN MAX]

I have only had the survey ask about the count, But down here on the merced the DFG will walk by Bait dunkers and wade across the river to check a fly guy's barbs and steel head card, when asked if he is going to ckeck those other guys they have responed by saying that it is you flyfisher men that push for these reg's. Go figure?? Regardless I still like to see them on the water.

[amoeba]

Have any of you board members who fish Shad on the American. Especially when wading.

Have you ever been asked by fish and game (while Shad fishing) to see your Steelhead

Punch Card?????

Never on the American myself - but have seen some long checks and ticket-writing of others....it usually begins with something obvious, like no license visible and a cooler nearby.

But this is what I have seen them check for:

-fishing with barbed hooks
-fishing without a delta stamp
-fishing without a steelhead report card
-fishing without a license
-fishing without filling out their steelhead report card in advance of fishing that day
-fishing without a license displayed
-retaining fish they aren't supposed to
-guiding without a guide license
-speeding
-drugs
-booze

Yes, they are selective; and no - I don't see the violators getting off with warnings, what I see is tickets. I have seen them do the barb-check thing.

So best to be a boy scout, especially if you are familiar with the penalties (fines/jail, + suspensions of fish/game privileges for years to your lifetime - I think it is any 3 violations in a five year period and you are gone as far as fishing in California till your next life).

Two pieces of advice: a)Whether boat or shore, booze possession on the lower American, and in the parkway, is illegal, and you're asking for an inspection if you are seen - so leave it at home. b) display your license and report card on upper body like supposed to.

[nightgoat]

a)Whether boat or shore, booze possession on the lower American, and in the parkway, is illegal, and you're asking for an inspection if you are seen - so leave it at home.

Uhhhhh, No. From the County web site:

"Visitors to the American River Parkway who wish to consume or possess alcohol along the river may do so in certain areas, but alcohol is permanently banned at the following locations:

*
The bluffs located near Old Fair Oaks Bridge
*
The El Manto river access point
*
Sarah Court river access
*
Paradise Beach recreation area
*
Certain locations within Discovery Park

During Memorial Day weekend, the 4th of July, and Labor Day weekend, alcohol is temporarily banned along the shoreline and on the American River between Hazel and Watt Avenues.

Glass beverages are illegal along the Parkway year-round."

You are also allowed to have alcohol on the boat except for the Holiday Weekends mentioned above.

Some of like to have an Oat Soda whilst fishing from the boat.