Cleaning Fish Streamside

[Outofline]

It was my understanding that it's illegal to clean your catch and discharge of the guts streamside? I know I can get a quick answer here. I thought it had something to do with whirling disease? Seen a few people do it. I prefer to throw them on ice and clean them at home. Just curious
Any input appreciated.
Matt

[Wilson]

In some states it is illegal to gut fish streamside.
I have never been hassled for it in NJ, nor have I heard that is illegal.
Of course I give all my Trout to the smoker guy and he guts them

[Outofline]

Thanks George. I guess it would make sense, that there's other creatures that would make short order of the fresh discards..raccoons, possums, mink, birds, etc..

[Wilson]

Judging by the amount of guts in the water Andy and I saw on Sunday
I'd say your ok.

[Outofline]

When I keep them, I put the stringer through the jaw, not the gills, (which keeps them alive longer, and I can cull) and have my cooler with ice, then clean them at home. Never had an issues

[Wilson]

The little lady gets peeved when I do it in the kitchen.
Had a little accident one time with a live crayfish that came out of
a Trout I gutted in the sink. Crayfish ended up in my wifes coffee cup
Don't ask

[Outofline]

Gotta hear that one, one day! Too funny!

[Michael82929]

It is illegal in NJ to clean fish stream side.

Its done and usually no one complains.

Years ago I didnt really care, but the amount of bears around these days, I would advise against it.

[Mike M]

I have never seen in writing that it is illegal. do you know the statute?

[AJFISH13]

Illegal or not, clean your fish at home. Lay em out newspaper and gut em on the newspaper. Wash them out on the sink. Leaves places we fish clean. Im sure the vultures and other scavengers have enough to eat as it is.