Close, but not quite.Water laws are complicated. Some waterways are public below "the oridinary high water mark", some are to the middle of the waterway, some depend on whether or not it's "navigatable", some are yes and some are no, all the time. Usually, however, it is the same within the entire state and the same rule applies almost everywhere in the state.
Close, but not quite.
Take a look at this webpage. I know it's not as black and white as I'd like, but it will give you some background. DNR: About the Guide & River Rights. BTW, I work for the Division of Outdoor Recreation and put that webpage together.
The short version is that if a stream is listed on the navigable waterways list, then the water and stream bed are held in the public trust and useable by everyone. If the stream is NOT on the list, then the water is still a public resource, but the stream bed is privately owned. That means don't get out of your boat.
There are no provisions to allow you on the banks or be above the ordinary high water mark.
If anyone is really serious or has questions, give me a call at work.
Dale
DNR: Contact Us
Close, but not quite.
Take a look at this webpage. I know it's not as black and white as I'd like, but it will give you some background. DNR: About the Guide & River Rights. BTW, I work for the Division of Outdoor Recreation and put that webpage together.
The short version is that if a stream is listed on the navigable waterways list, then the water and stream bed are held in the public trust and useable by everyone. If the stream is NOT on the list, then the water is still a public resource, but the stream bed is privately owned. That means don't get out of your boat.
There are no provisions to allow you on the banks or be above the ordinary high water mark.
If anyone is really serious or has questions, give me a call at work.
Dale
DNR: Contact Us