Wyoming Advisory Board Formed to Develop Rules for Commercial Fishing Boat Guides

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has launched a new initiative to address increasing congestion on state waterways caused by commercially guided fishing boats, Billings Gazette reports.

In response to recent legislative action, the department has assembled a seven-member advisory board tasked with crafting recommendations to guide future regulations.

The board’s formation follows the passage of House Bill 5 earlier this year, which authorized the department to develop rules overseeing commercially guided fishing operations. Currently, Wyoming does not regulate the number of commercial guide boats on its waterways, nor does it have a formal licensing or permitting system for such activities.

To address this gap, the advisory board—composed of representatives from regions across the state—will meet between May and August to hold public sessions and gather input. The members are:

• Gary Korrel (Goshen, Laramie, and Platte counties)

• Ian McCreary (Albany, Carbon, and Sweetwater counties)

• Christopher Hayes (Lincoln, Sublette, Teton, and Uinta counties)

• Larry Larson (Campbell, Johnson, and Sheridan counties)

• John Schwalbe (Big Horn, Hot Springs, Park, and Washakie counties)

• Owen Miller (Crook, Niobrara, and Weston counties)

• Blake Jackson (Converse, Fremont, and Natrona counties)

“We appreciate these individuals stepping up and working with Game and Fish as we work towards long-term solutions for commercially guided fishing in our state,” said Alan Osterland, chief of fisheries for the department. “Their local perspectives and expertise will help us address key issues that affect fishing in Wyoming’s waterways.”

After concluding public meetings, the board will present its recommendations to the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission in September. The finalized recommendations will then be submitted to the state’s Joint Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources Committee by November 1. Approved registration and regulatory requirements are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026.

While neighboring Montana has addressed similar concerns through commercial-use permits, its own regulatory efforts on rivers such as the Madison have faced delays and ongoing debate.