The Wyoming Game and Fish Department announced on March 6th that it is seeking applicants for a new advisory board focused on regulating commercially guided fishing boats in Wyoming. This follows the passage of House Bill 5, signed into law earlier this year, which grants the department authority to establish rules for these operations. Applications are now open through March 21st for those interested in shaping the future of commercial fishing in the state.
The seven-member board will advise on local conditions, offering recommendations to improve fishing and manage waterway congestion caused by commercial guide boats. Alan Osterland, Game and Fish Fisheries Chief, stated that the board’s input will be crucial for guiding the industry’s development. Currently, Wyoming does not require commercial fishing boats to register, pay fees, or face limits on waterway use, a gap the new regulations aim to address starting January 1st, 2026.
Board members will serve four-year terms, with at least two required to own Wyoming drift-boat guide businesses. Initial meetings begin in May, with three to five sessions planned through August, followed by a September meeting with the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission. Recommendations will go to the joint Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources Committee by November 1st. Interested individuals can apply online to join this effort to oversee both in-state and out-of-state commercial fishing operations.
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