002.01.22 Ark. Code R. 016

Current through Register Vol. 49, No. 9, September, 2024

Rule 002.01.22-016 - 39.00 Crayfish Regulations

39.00 Crayfish Regulations

39.01Crayfish Harvest Restricted

It is unlawful for a person to:

A. Harvest crayfish (crawdads, mudbugs, crawfish) without a valid fishing license as required in Code 3.02;

B. Fish more than 10 crayfish traps simultaneously;

C. Fail to check crayfish trap(s) and remove any catch within 24 hours of setting trap(s);

D. Fail to remove crayfish trap(s) when no longer in use for fishing (not baited for more than 24 hours);

E. Sell Arkansas wild-caught crayfish;

F. Retain any species taken with crayfish tackle other than crayfish and baitfish. All other species must be immediately returned to the waters where taken; or

G. Move crayfish unless in compliance with Code 26.27.

PENALTY: Class 1

39.02Illegle Recreational Crayfish Tackle Prohibited

It is unlawful to use tackle for taking or attempting to take crayfish from waters of the state except other than as specified below.

A. Seines not in excess of 50 feet long and 4 feet in depth with square mesh with a minimum opening of 1/2 inch.

B. Square traps or lifts not exceeding 6 feet by 6 feet by 3 feet in depth.

C. Round traps not exceeding 3 feet in diameter and 6 feet long with throat size of 2.5 inches.

D. Plastic or wire mesh minnow traps with throat size of not more than 2.5 inches.

E. Hand-operated dip nets or lifts with up to 1 inch square bar mesh used to take legal baitfish for personal use while in the act of sport fishing day or night.

A person using tackle must clearly label the tackle in a durable manner with the person's name and address, driver's license number, AGFC customer identification number, or current vehicle license plate number.

PENALTY: Class 1

39.03Crayfish Harvest Locations Restricted

It is unlawful to take or attempt to take crayfish from the following rivers or their tributaries: Eleven Point, South Fork Spring, Spring, and Strawberry Rivers.

PENALTY: Class 2

39.04Rearing Propagation Stocking Importation And Exportation Of Cryfish Restricted

A. It is unlawful for any individuals to possess, propagate, or offer for sale farm-reared crayfish without a valid permit for live fish trade as required in Code 35.01 and Code 32.02. All crayfish obtained for seed stock and stocking must be obtained from a valid live fish trade license or permit holder. All crayfish imported must meet the requirements of Code 35.00, Addendum I1.00, and Addendum J1.00.

B. It is unlawful to export from the state any Arkansas wild-caught crayfish.

EXCEPTION:

Crayfish for immediate human consumption imported in compliance with Addendum I1.03.

PENALTY: Class 2

002.01.22 Ark. Code R. 016

Adopted by Arkansas Register Volume 47, Number 12, Effective 12/19/2022