Frankfort, KY (December 13, 2004) - The Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission reduced paddlefish daily creel limits and modified regulations governing gigging, snagging and bow fishing at its quarterly meeting December 3 in Frankfort. These new fishing regulations go into effect on March 1, 2006.

The Fish and Wildlife Commission recommends all hunting, fishing and boating regulations for approval by the General Assembly and approves all spending by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR).

The Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission recommended to implement a statewide 2 fish daily creel limit on paddlefish for snagging and bow fishing. Areas of Kentucky formerly closed to snagging will remain closed. Snagging will be closed on Cave Run Lake to help prevent the illegal snagging of trophy sized muskellunge.

Snagging in the Tennessee River below Kentucky Dam will be under the statewide snagging season of February 1 through May 10. Snagging is presently allowed year-round below Kentucky Dam. Snagging below Kentucky Dam will only be allowed downstream of the P & L Railroad Bridge to avoid conflicts with other anglers. Snagging will also not be allowed on the newly installed fishing piers and jetties. Bow anglers may now fish up to 200 yards below Barkley and Kentucky Dams.

Also in the Tennessee River below Kentucky Dam, there will be a 5 fish daily creel limit on all species of catfish in aggregate and a 2 fish daily creel limit on paddlefish for snagging anglers. No culling will be allowed for catfish and paddlefish. Snagging must cease after attaining either limit. Snagging anglers will no longer be allowed to harvest sport fish species in the Tennessee River below Kentucky Dam.

The Commission also recommended that a 5 fish daily creel limit on spear fishing for any species of catfish. This will also be an aggregate limit on catfish.

The next Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting will be held at 8 a.m. on Friday, March 4, 2005 at the Game Farm off U.S. 60 in Frankfort. Persons interested in addressing the Commission must notify the KDFWR Commissioner’s office in writing at least 30 days in advance to be considered for placement on the meeting agenda. People who are hearing impaired and plan to attend the meeting should contact the KDFWR at least 10 days in advance and the agency will provide a translator. To request to address the commission, write to KDFWR, Commissioner Tom Bennett, #1 Game Farm Road, Frankfort, Kentucky, 40601.