February 13, 2007
West Branch Delaware River Boating Regulation
Proposal Description
Angling from boats is prohibited on the West Branch Delaware River (time period is yet to be determined).
Rationale for Proposal
The complaints by wading anglers about the growing number of drift boats on the West Branch Delaware River interfering with their fishing are increasing, These anglers would like to see the drift boat fishery regulated. Options to consider may be a ban on a section of river, day(s) of week ban, or ban before and after some specified date, or a ban after a certain hour or combinations thereof.
It is not known if the complaints are being made by a vocal minority or is representative of the angling public. A creel survey conducted by the Department in 2006 will provide valuable information for evaluating this proposal. Shore or wading anglers were asked if drift boats interfere with their use and enjoyment of the river. The response to this question during the 2006 creel survey will contribute towards further evaluation of this proposal. Your support for this petition will continue equal opportunities to all fishermen
and not allow precedents to be set for other river systems.
Below is the digital version of that petition.
