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7:36 pm
May 19, 2004
Offline
Guys - I'm relatively new to the river scene, being a big lake guy. What is the proper etiquette for access to the river for shore fishing? I don't want to trespass, but I thought the rivers were open territory. Should I enter at the boat ramps or can I just go in anywhere I find an opening. Please let me know what the general consensus is. I've never fished from shore, but since I am boatless, it is becoming a necessity.
Barry
We may only see what we look for.
8:22 pm
March 19, 2004
Offline
Presonally, I try to never go on private property but that really doesn't come into play that much on rivers. Creeks are another question, there are many homes on creeks. I always try to stay in the water if I can when I'm fishing by someones home. I never had any trouble with homeowners, so far!!
9:11 pm
First you must get a river map or even a county map of the area your fishing . lets say bucks county check the map to see were the road is closes to the water or find bridges that cross the river . Now you have to explore the spots that you have found on the map the areas that you find on the map might not be fishable as far as access or type of water Etc... it takes some time most of the delaware river below easton has a canal park on both sides also above easton your in the water gap national park. alot of the boat access areas are in parks you just have to explore and find slow moving water. If you find a good looking area and its posted it doesnt hurt to ask first. if its not posted i guess enter at your own risk. The best part is finding a area to fish that may only be 10' wide to fish that has fish in it. then cast cast and cast some more. just be carefull wading this time of year waders fill up quick if you fall in and will take you down.
10:29 pm
May 19, 2004
Offline
Where can I get a river map? I've looked on the internet, but they all seem to charge for them.
We may only see what we look for.
12:31 am
There are a few river maps out there one of the better one i think is published by the Delaware River Basin Commission for ten dollars
P.O Box 7360
West Trenton NJ 08628
They should have a web site ?
J.B Kasper guides used to have a map I dont know if they still sell them or not?
The maps will get you there but you still have to see for yourself if the water you find will hold fish.
12:50 am
Great info guys.This is one of the perks of having a message board.Barry,i'm sure you could hook up with one of these river rats for a day.If not your more than welcome to hook up with me the next time i hit the river out my way.I'm not as savy as most of these bank guys ,but i have one or two spots i'm working on.Bob
3:43 am
March 26, 2004
Offline
Here's a different perspective. The answer depends on whether the river or stream is navagible, and is described in the legalese found on this website and its links:
http://sites.state.pa.us/PA_Ex.....ehig99.htm
It is not clear to me how far the public portion of the streambed extends. Some people interpret this as the part of the stream covered by water, others by the high water marks. Another opinion was that the water is public but the land under it remains private (meaning you have the right to navigate the river but not touch the bottom). Keep in mind that I am not a lawyer and am just relaying comments on the attached case.
Of course, courtesy remains a factor. Imagine how you would want your land respected if you owned some next to water.
There is a large grey area associated with railroad beds. They allow convienient access to rivers and often must be crossed to get to the water. I heard a rumor a few years back that Norfolk Southern was starting to post their RR beds and citing fishermen crossing them. I personally haven't seen it happen to any of my spots, but it may happen. Rails to trails projects may provide good access as well.
Your best bet is to look out for well-traveled paths that lead to water. Usually there is good fishing at the end of them, and if the landowner didn't want you there, they'd put up some signs. Parking usually turns out to be the biggest concern.
Chris
11:32 am
On that note In my duck hunting days after being chased from spots in my boat I was informed by local police that as soon as i touch the bottom with my feet I was trespassing but could float in 2" of water without tresspassing.
3:34 am
March 26, 2004
Offline
Matt,
That was my understanding of the law but it appears that the Lehigh River court case contradicts this by saying that the river bottom is public property. That is the safest interpretation, though.
Chris
3:39 pm
the river bed is state property as is all the air above the river. As for the property, it is the high ater mark per the law. but if the landowner has a gun (of which i have seen before) then whaever he/she says - goes.
i have learned that women with shot guns are fiestier than the men with guns.
chris
8:13 pm
March 19, 2004
Offline
I found some info on river laws on http://forums.riversmallies.com/forums/
there is a link for the river laws very interesting reading here is link http://www.nors.org/us-law-who-owns.htm
Jeff
Just remember...if the world didn't suck, we'd all fall off.
˙˙˙ssɐ ʎɯ ssıʞ uɐɔ plɹoʍ ǝloɥʍ ǝɥʇ os 'uʍop ǝpısdn ǝɯ ʎɹnq ʎǝɥʇ ǝdoɥ ı
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11:31 pm
Wow great info from everybody now i know that a woman with a gun is still the final answer
1:46 am
Barry,
If your interested Tanners Sport Shop in Jamison has the J.B. Kasper maps for $10.00. It's the complete Delaware River from top to bottom. JB has labled fish species in areas that regularly produce. What I've done ( it took about two years) is like Matt said start out at bridges and parks to access the river and explore from there, then mark your map. I used different color markers to mark eddies, parking spots, deep holes, etc. The best part about it is it's a never ending process. I've covered most of the ground from Yardley to Easton both sides of the river. My next scouting mission is the NJ side from Phillipsburg up to Belvidere. Some really good looking water.
If you get the maps I can help you mark a bunch of spots. I know what it's like to be grounded most of the time. Good luck.
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