CHEYENNE — The Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s Commercial Fishing Boat Advisory Board met in Casper on June 12 for its second meeting, continuing discussions on developing recommendations for managing commercial guide boat activity in Wyoming.
The board discussed the new draft Chapter 71 for Commercially-Guided Fishing Boats. These changes aim to establish registration requirements, annual fees, registration stickers, record-keeping for boat owners and reasons for registration revocation. A public comment period on these proposals opened June 14, and runs through July 31. Comments can be submitted online on the Game and Fish public input page.
Discussions at the June 12 meeting included comparing regulatory structures across several states to inform a beneficial system for Wyoming. Discussion included insurance requirements, fee structures and the distinction between commercial and non-commercial guiding activities.
The board also reviewed the regulatory process and its task of making organizational structure recommendations to the Travel, Recreation, and Wildlife Interim Committee by Nov. 1. The discussions included the creation of a new separate Wyoming Board of Fishing Outfitter and Guides, or combining it with the existing Wyoming Board of Outfitters and Professional Guides.
Amanda McKee, Administrator for the Outfitter Board, provided an overview of its current structure, budget and operations, noting that integrating commercially-guided fishing elements would require additional funding and resources.
After discussing the challenges of merging fishing operations with the hunting outfitter board, it was determined the board will operate independently through 2026. This period allows for the collection and assessment of more data, including boat registration numbers and before a final recommendation is made. Specific structural recommendations have been tabled until Nov. 1, 2026.
The board plans its third meeting in August (date to be announced) before presenting formal recommendations to the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission during its September 9-10 meeting in Lander. Following approval by the Commission, the finalized recommendations will be presented to the Travel, Recreation, and Wildlife Interim Committee during its meeting on Nov. 6.
—WGFD—