$5k fine for fishing near Delta pumps??

Garrett Clark · Post by **Garrett Clark** » Mon May 27, 2019 6:23 pm

While fishing today, I had a farmer get all hot and bothered and tell me that the pumping pipes I was fishing past had a mandatory 100ft distance regulation on them. He claimed they were Bureau of Rec pumps and carried a $5k federal fine if "they" caught anyone near it.
It was a fun day so I didn't care to challenge him on it. Nothing stating what he claimed was posted around the pumps, nor have I ever heard of this in multiple years fishing the Delta.

So, anyone have insight on this? Or is the guy completely and totally full of sh*t like I think he is?

Post by **WB Staff** » Mon May 27, 2019 6:49 pm

First we heard of it.

tinybass · Post by **tinybass** » Mon May 27, 2019 7:40 pm

I had a farmer told me a similar story a few years ago. He said the pipe was his property and the rule was I had to stay 100-500 away. I checked with Fish and Games and was told that was B/S.

monte300 · Post by **monte300** » Tue May 28, 2019 6:22 am

are you talking any old pipe that comes out into the water? If so I owe millions!

Caleb.Smith · Post by **Caleb.Smith** » Tue May 28, 2019 1:11 pm

Good thing there are no fish on pups in the delta.

ash · Post by **ash** » Wed May 29, 2019 5:45 am

I have seen signal word warning pumps turn on automatically but that’s it. If it were illegal to fish it would be posted with an ordinance. Sounds like this guy doesn’t have a good cage around his pump and doesn’t want fishing line ruining his pump - but it ain’t illegal

Garrett Clark · Post by **Garrett Clark** » Wed May 29, 2019 7:25 am

I figured as much but just wanted to check with everyone. He seems to spend more time patrolling his levee wall than actually farming. Maybe I'll have to get some of those pumps on my favorite areas so I can keep you all out!