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Game and Fish regulation to register commercial watercraft for outfitters approved, effective Jan. 1, 2026
Summary
Wyoming Game and Fish told the committee that Chapter 71, a regulation implementing House Bill 5 to register commercial outfitters’ watercraft, completed public process and was approved by the commission and governor; the department plans to implement registration and IT systems in December ahead of the 2026 effective date.
Wyoming Game and Fish announced the department has completed the public process and obtained commission and governor approval for Chapter 71, the regulation that implements House Bill 5 and creates a commercial watercraft registration for outfitters and fishing guides.
Regulatory status and timing: Chief of Fisheries Alan Orsillon said the regulation cleared public meetings and the commission in September and received the governor’s approval Oct. 24. The department is building the IT and registration infrastructure and expects registration tools and public guidance to be available in December, with the regulation effective Jan. 1, 2026.
Why the change: Chief Orsillon said the regulation follows advisory-board work and stakeholder outreach and is intended to register watercraft used commercially by outfitters and guides across the state. The department will continue outreach so outfitters know how to register before the next season.
Additional fisheries work: The department reported continued hatchery and cool-warm-water trials at Speeze (walleye culture) and said the commission approved a proposed expansion pending bids and construction costs; engineering estimates exceeded initial allocations and the department said it is working through design and cost control.
Attribution: Reported remarks were given by Chief Alan Orsillon and Wyoming Game and Fish Director Angie Bruce at the Nov. 6 meeting.
