My son, who took up residence in Colorado, came down and needed to buy an out of state license which cost $55 for a temp. What is the law on having an unlicensed person in a boat? There were three of us in the boat but I only took two rods, one for me and the other liscenced fisherman. What if folks want to go for the experience and not the catching. What do you guides do if some one wants to go on the boat but not fish?

I think there is a 14 dollar day non-resident fishing license

I was checked a few years ago by a gw & my wife had already put her pole up as we were about to leave to go to another spot. He asked for my licence as I was reeling my pole in when he came up to us, but not hers. He said he did not see her fishing thus he did not need to check her license. Maybe this help's but I don't know what the law states in the book. But if one person never has a fishing pole in his or her hand on the water they can't prove they are or were fishing. Hope this helps & good luck.

While I agree with you completely, I'll also say that you can't prove that they weren't fishing.

Better to get a license and leave the worry at home.

I've never experienced anyone coming on the guide trip that didn't at least hold a rod.
I have had a buddy that went with me and another friend at one point. He didn't fish. He doesn't fish. And he didn't fish. He also didn't have a license. But it would never have been questioned because he didn't even pick up a rod to hand it to the other of us. However, I couldn't prove that either.

innocent until proven guilty my friend your find unless they see him/her fishing!!!

The GW has to see you actually fishing. They will not even ask to see a license unless they see you fishing. Unless, you have fish in a live well or cooler. Then, someone has to claim the fish. If you have more fish then licensed people fishing then someone get a ticket for to many fish.

If he is just going along for the ride then he does not need a license. But do not let him touch any poles while out there.

You can get a temp for like 14 dollars and then 3 bucks a day after. Just got one for my brother from AZ. Always keep it legal.

If your not fishing, you don't need a license...

nominated as best answer.

i have always heard that the ranger needs to SEE you fishing.

2 unliscensed guys can go out with a boat load of rods..... but if they dont fish, they dont need a license

Yep, when my wife and I go, I have 4 rods in the boat. When being checked, she just tells the GW, she doesn't fish. (She doesn't).

same for me also Nut the wife does not fish but she does go with me most trips and lays out on the boat I carry at least 5 rods and reels with me, and have never had a problem with the GW, just like you said we just tell him/her she does not fish.


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