I live in a Subdivision that we all share a private pond. What are the laws for over catching fish? ?

Question

We have a few renters and people who live close by that are even putting traps in our pond for minnows. This has not been a issue in the past 5 years that I have been a property owners here,but now is becoming more and more an issue.. What do we do? What are our rights? I cant find the laws on this subject on the DNR site!!! HELP Thanks : )

Answer 1

I can't say it any better than Laura did!

Answer 2

it kind of depends on who pays to stock it.

If DNR has control, contact DNR and tell them of your concern, they may have an officer come and do checks.

Answer 3

Laura hit it on the head, adding only if your homes are inside a security gate, your homeowners association will possibly need to furnish a fish and game warden a garage (gate) opener to come by and write tickets from time to time.

Answer 4

Laura is wonderful so precise just listen to her the queen of hard facts.If I'm u,I just pound on them hard so they know what r they paying for being cheap.

Answer 5

Well, since it is going to vary from state to state, I can't really help you on the regulations for your area. But I can tell you that the best website to look for that information would be your state Department of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks intead of the DNR.

But since it is a private pond, the rules are slightly different. Check with the DWFP about private pond regulations, but also talk to the owner of the actual property the pond is sitting on about it. If it's owned by each of you as subdivision property owners, you may have to get with some people about organizing a meeting with all of the residents and work out a way to deal with the issue. Also take this opportunity to make sure everyone understands what the fishing regulations are for private ponds in your state. As far as the non-residents putting in traps, the residents and/or property owner may have to come together to put a fence up around the area where only residents can have access. Or maybe come up with a rule that all minnow traps have to be labeled with the name and address of the person it belongs to (you know, on the rope you would use to pull it up with), otherwise it will be removed from the water and placed with the local Ranger's station. Just be sure to post a sign stating this at the pond, as well as a no trespassing sign. If people who are not allowed to use the pond are caught there, then you have the right to report them to the authorities. These suggestions will help cut down on the issue because after a few minnow traps have been removed by residents and a few people have been reported they will stop intruding.

I hope this helps in some way. Good luck.

Answer 6

Call for F&G Warden?  Seriously??  Unless the body of water is located on public land, maintained with public funds, or stocked by a public entity, the state won't have a concern.

If this pond is part of the common land regulated by an HOA, you can contact the HOA regarding this.  Get it on the agenda and attend the monthly board meeting when it will be discussed.

If you're not part of an HOA, then you'll have a tougher time dealing with it.  Review your CC&Rs (Covenants, Codes & Restrictions...every development has them).  The downside of HOAs is having to pay monthly fees, stricter CC&Rs, and having to ask permission for the dumbest little things.  The upside is the community stays nicer, and you don't have to put up with your neighbor tearing apart his transmission on the front yard.