04-29-2021, 09:16 PM
I know this can be an ugly topic and its not meant to stir the pot etc....Just wanted to warn ppl and save them from a ticket/trouble. And, step up on the soap box for just a sec. Just an opinion....don't crucify me for it.
The law right now as I understand it (reading it from the DWR website) is that you cannot access streams/rivers on private property unless you are floating. If you are standing on the ground in the river you are trespassing. If I like it or not, it seems pretty clear what the law is. Yes, of course there are access points where property owners provide access, etc. Not here to needle the fine points just the basics.
On the Weber River from "about" the train bridge west of the Mt. Green exit, upstream to Peterson....maybe farther up I'm not sure....many of you are aware of the purchase of that mountain by Wasatch Peaks Ranch and the planned community, ski resort, golf course, etc. going up there.
Over the past several months I have seen more "patrols" of that area of the river and more people getting into trouble for trespassing than I have seen over the past 25 years. Cops, DWR, and others keeping an eye on the place.
I have spoken with individuals associated with Wasatch Peaks Ranch who have confirmed they are starting to keep a close eye on the area and will be increasing their own patrols of the area as the building of that area continues. They know the law and are not very forgiving to anyone breaking it. As that community grows, more efforts will take place to make sure that current laws are followed. It's my understanding that only residents of that community will have access to that section of the river as well as their own hand picked guide service.
I guess I post this because I have run into an astonishing number of anglers who 1) don't know the stream access laws OR 2) know the law but still decide to walk up the river anyway because they have never been caught before and/or don't believe that they will get caught and/or if they are they will just be told to leave.
I've shared this info with several anglers....pulled it up on my phone and read it to them word for word....and yet they still say its not the law and they continue on up the river.
I've even been told "I've been fishing this stretch for x number of years"....as if that somehow makes it okay to break the law.
I get the feeling that when the law was changed several years ago allowing access to rivers - many people thought it was done and over with. They have no idea that shortly after it was made legal...it was made illegal again.
It just seems unbelievable to me that some people can be like this. Law is law and if you agree with it or don't agree with it there is still an expectation that you should know and follow the law. Same for hunting, driving, boating, etc. If you are going to do it you should know what the laws are that govern it and expect to follow them.
And, if you disagree with the law, you should find ways to be active in supporting those individuals and organizations who are working to change the law. Do not show your distain or dislike of the law by breaking or ignoring it as if it does not pertain to you. It just makes it worse for those who don't break it and makes it harder to get laws changed.
Off the soap box.
I just know there are people out there who just want to access the river and have a great day. I've seen a few people have their day ruined so far and just wanted to throw this out there so you can avoid having your day ruined if you are in that area.
There have been several land owners over the years along that area who may have not been too concerned about someone walking up the river on their private property. I'm just tossing out a "heads-up" about the people who own it know....They Care...A Lot.
The law right now as I understand it (reading it from the DWR website) is that you cannot access streams/rivers on private property unless you are floating. If you are standing on the ground in the river you are trespassing. If I like it or not, it seems pretty clear what the law is. Yes, of course there are access points where property owners provide access, etc. Not here to needle the fine points just the basics.
On the Weber River from "about" the train bridge west of the Mt. Green exit, upstream to Peterson....maybe farther up I'm not sure....many of you are aware of the purchase of that mountain by Wasatch Peaks Ranch and the planned community, ski resort, golf course, etc. going up there.
Over the past several months I have seen more "patrols" of that area of the river and more people getting into trouble for trespassing than I have seen over the past 25 years. Cops, DWR, and others keeping an eye on the place.
I have spoken with individuals associated with Wasatch Peaks Ranch who have confirmed they are starting to keep a close eye on the area and will be increasing their own patrols of the area as the building of that area continues. They know the law and are not very forgiving to anyone breaking it. As that community grows, more efforts will take place to make sure that current laws are followed. It's my understanding that only residents of that community will have access to that section of the river as well as their own hand picked guide service.
I guess I post this because I have run into an astonishing number of anglers who 1) don't know the stream access laws OR 2) know the law but still decide to walk up the river anyway because they have never been caught before and/or don't believe that they will get caught and/or if they are they will just be told to leave.
I've shared this info with several anglers....pulled it up on my phone and read it to them word for word....and yet they still say its not the law and they continue on up the river.
I've even been told "I've been fishing this stretch for x number of years"....as if that somehow makes it okay to break the law.
I get the feeling that when the law was changed several years ago allowing access to rivers - many people thought it was done and over with. They have no idea that shortly after it was made legal...it was made illegal again.
It just seems unbelievable to me that some people can be like this. Law is law and if you agree with it or don't agree with it there is still an expectation that you should know and follow the law. Same for hunting, driving, boating, etc. If you are going to do it you should know what the laws are that govern it and expect to follow them.
And, if you disagree with the law, you should find ways to be active in supporting those individuals and organizations who are working to change the law. Do not show your distain or dislike of the law by breaking or ignoring it as if it does not pertain to you. It just makes it worse for those who don't break it and makes it harder to get laws changed.
Off the soap box.
I just know there are people out there who just want to access the river and have a great day. I've seen a few people have their day ruined so far and just wanted to throw this out there so you can avoid having your day ruined if you are in that area.
There have been several land owners over the years along that area who may have not been too concerned about someone walking up the river on their private property. I'm just tossing out a "heads-up" about the people who own it know....They Care...A Lot.