Jug Laws by State
See if jug fishing is legal in your state!
Jug fishing state laws
Check your state and local fishing regulations before using.
Alabama-LEGAL 20+
https://traveltips.usatoday.com/jug-fishing-alabama-101426.html
Angling Laws
A recreational fishing license is required to jug fish in the waterways of Alabama. The state does not restrict the number of catfish under the size of 34 inches that you can catch, but you can only keep one catfish that exceeds 34 inches in total length. No size limit is in effect for non-native blue catfish or flathead catfish in non-native Chattahoochee rivers, the Blackwater, Perdido, Conecuh, Yellow, Choctawhatchee and Chipola. Auburn University states that 36 percent of all freshwater anglers in Alabama fish for catfish.
Jug Fishing Considerations
In Alabama, the jug fisherman does not have to label his jug lines with a name or an angling license number. While you can jug fish in lakes and reservoirs, streams and rivers offer a good current, which, along with the wind, moves the jug's lines, helps entice the fish and makes a more successful fishing trip; the catfish are attracted to the moving bait. Anglers should always remove all their gear from the water after they have finished fishing.
Alaska-Illegal
Arkansas-LEGAL 25
https://drive.google.com/file/d/13IP52QbSee8-rsmDy7as7hs6E1k5HiQw/view?usp=drive_open
Arizona-Illegal
California-Illegal
Colorado-LEGAL 10
https://cpw.state.co.us/Documents/RulesRegs/Brochure/fishing.pdf
3. JUGS
a. Permitted only on these reservoirs (as listed in this brochure): Adobe
Creek, Bonny, Henry, Horse Creek, John Martin, Meredith, Nee Gronda, Nee Noshe, Nee So Pah, Queens (North and South), Thurston and Two Buttes.
b. Only 10 jugs are allowed for each license holder, each with only one single line and one common hook.
c. Must be tagged with the user’s CID number or name when CID is un- available.
d. Must be personally checked at least once 2an hour.
Connecticut—LEGAL
https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/DEEP/fishing/anglers_guide/2021-fishing-guide.pdf
FLOAT (BOBBER) Any buoyant object attached to a fishing line. No floats may be used unless personally attended.
Delaware-Illegal
Florida-Illegal
Georgia-LEGAL 50+ no limit
https://www.eregulations.com/georgia/fishing/fishing-methods/
Set Hooks & Jugs
- Only catfish and nongame fish (year round) and American and Hickory shad during shad season may be taken with set hooks and jugs.
- It is illegal to use jugs and set hooks on Lake Tobesofkee or any State Park Lake.
- A sport fishing license is required to fish with set hooks and jugs in Georgia.
- There are no other restrictions on the use of set hooks and jugs (number of, dimensions, materials, etc.)
- DNR encourages anglers using these methods to check them regularly, remove them at the end of the fishing day, and avoid areas popular with recreational boaters.
Hawaii- Illegal
Idaho-Legal
https://idfg.idaho.gov/sites/default/files/seasons-rules-fish-2022-2024.pdf
Fishing Gear: It is unlawful to fish in any waters of Idaho with more than one (1) handline or pole with a line attached, except a person with a two (2) pole permit may use two (2) poles; or with more than five (5) lines while ice fishing; or by archery, spearfishing, snagging, hands, and netting except as permitted. Not more than five (5) hooks may be attached per line. The line or lines must be attended by the person fishing.
Illinois-Legal
https://www.ifishillinois.org/regulations/FishingDigest.pdf
2) All jugs set in a body of water shall be under the immediate supervision of the fisherman. Immediate supervision shall be defined as the fisherman being on the water where the jugs are set and readily available to identify jugs to law enforcement officers.
Indiana-Legal
https://www.eregulations.com/indiana/fishing/fishing-regulations
Float Fishing
Float or jug fishing is the use of an active fishing device consisting of a line with not more than 1 hook (single or multi-barbed) that is affixed to a float. Floats are often constructed from empty jugs, bottles, pool noodles, or other floating materials, but cannot be constructed of glass. As many as five floats may be used, but only one hook may be attached to each float line. Each float must be marked with the user’s name and address or the user's DNR issued Customer ID number. All lines must be in constant visual contact of the person using them. Float fishing is not allowed on lakes and reservoirs for public safety reasons.
Iowa-Legal
https://www.iowadnr.gov/Portals/idnr/uploads/fish/regs_fish.pdf
Jug Fishing
You cannot use more than two jugs or two hooks on each jug. You cannot leave the jugs in the water unattended by being out of visual sight of them. You can fish with one pole with line and one jug or two jugs and no pole with line. You can fish a third line or jug if you have a valid third line fishing permit.
Kansas- Legal in certain lakes
https://ksoutdoors.com/Fishing/Fishing-Regulations/Floatline-Fishing
Floatline Fishing
Floatline fishing is allowed year-round, 24 hours per day at the following locations:
- Council Grove,
- Elk City,
- Fall River,
- Glen Elder,
- Hillsdale,
- John Redmond,
- Kanopolis,
- Lovewell,
- Tuttle Creek,
- Pomona,
- Toronto,
- Wilson reservoirs.
Anglers will be allowed no more than eight floatlines. All floatlines must be under immediate supervision of the angler and must be removed from the water when fishing ceases. All float material shall be constructed only from plastic, wood, or foam and shall be a closed-cell construction. A "closed-cell" construction shall mean a solid body incapable of containing water.
*Kentucky- Legal-50 per person
https://fw.ky.gov/Fish/Documents/fishingguide.pdf
SPORT FISHING TROTLINES, JUGGING and SET LINES (LIMB LINES)
(301 KAR 1:410; KRS 150.010)
A sport fishing trotline is a line with no more than 50 single or multi-barbed baited hooks that must be at least 18 inch- es apart. A sport fishing trotline must be set at least three feet below the water’s sur- face. Jugging is fishing with a single baited
line attached to any floating object. A jug line may have no more than one single or multi-barbed hook. A set line is a line with one single or multi barbed hook. It may be attached to a tree limb, tree trunk, bank pole or other stationary object on the bank of a stream or impoundment.
One person may use no more than two sport fishing trotlines or 50 jug lines or 25 set lines at any one time. Each boat may not use more than 50 jug lines, but each occupant may use two sportfish- ing trotlines or 25 set lines. Each sport fishing trotline, jug line or set line must be: 1) permanently labeled with the cus- tomer identification number provided on fishing licenses; 2) baited, checked
and all fish removed at least once every 24 hours; 3) removed from water, bank or tree when fishing ceases.
Prohibited Areas: Sport fishing trotlines, jug lines or set lines may not be used within 200 yards below any dam. Sport fishing trotlines, jug lines or set lines
10
Q:
What is legal equipment for sport fish?
A:
Anglers may legally take sport fish by hook and line in hand, rod in hand, jugging, setline or sport fishing trotline.
FISHING REGULATIONS
No firearms
Fish may not be taken with use of a firearm.
are not allowed in Department owned/ managed lakes having less than 500 sur- face acres, except those located on Ballard and Boatwright WMAs. No sport fish- ing trotlines are allowed within 700 yards below Kentucky Dam, the area between Barkley Dam and U.S. 62 bridge, or below the following Ohio River dams from the face of the dam to the end of the outer lock wall: Smithland, Newburgh, Can- nelton, Markland, Meldahl and Greenup; McAlpine downstream to the K&I rail- road bridge; J.T. Meyers (Uniontown) to the end of the outer lock wall and that portion of the split channel around the southern part of Wabash Island from the fixed weir dam to the first dike.
*Louisiana-Legal-50 per person
https://www.eregulations.com/louisiana/fishing/freshwater-fishing
You may not use more than 50 yo-yos or trigger devices. You must clearly tag each device with your name, address and phone number. You may not attach them to a metallic object or anchor them with any artificial object. You may only anchor them to an existing pier, boathouse, seawall or dock - you may not use any object such as rebar, cane, PVC tubing or construction material to anchor a yo-yo or trigger device to a water bottom, stump, tree or shoreline. You must rebait each yo-yo or trigger device at least once every 24 hours. You must immediately remove all fish or any other animals caught or hooked on the device.
Maine-illegal
Massachusetts-illegal
Michigan-illegal
Minnesota-illegal
*Mississippi-Legal
c. No more than 25 free floating fishing devices (FFFD) (Jugs) may be fished by an individual. Also, no more than two (2) single hooks may be attached to each of these devices. In Mississippi waters that border adjacent states, the legal number of FFFDs shall be that of the adjacent state or the Mississippi limit, whichever is greater, not to exceed 50 FFFDs by any individual.
Missouri-Legal
https://mdc.mo.gov/fishing/regulations/jug-line-regulations
8 per person with no more than 2 hooks each
Jug Line Regulations
Check anchored jug lines daily, ensure the anchor is secure
Anchored jug lines may not be left unattended for more than 24 hours.
The anchor must be sufficient to render a jug immobile so that wind, current or large fish will not move the jug. A line that does not meet this standard is considered unanchored. Under normal fishing conditions, a 2-pound weight for a 2-liter soda bottle would be an appropriate anchor. Use a heavier weight to anchor larger floats or during times of high wind and current.
Closely attend unanchored jug lines
Keeping track of your unanchored jug lines reduces catfish waste and jug-line litter. Unanchored jug lines in streams must be personally attended at all times. Unanchored jug lines in lakes must be personally attended at least once per hour. Personally attended means that the angler whose name is labeled on the jug line:
- Is in visual sight of and close proximity to the jug line
- Can see the jug line bob and move when a fish is hooked and can retrieve it
- Can see and talk to a conservation agent checking the line
- Can get the attention of or deter anyone who is tampering with the jug line.
Anglers who cannot personally attend their jug lines can still enjoy jug fishing by using anchors.
Label your jug lines
You must place a tag of a durable material with your full name and address or Conservation Number on each jug line. Your Conservation Number in nine digits long and can be found on your fishing permit or on the back of your Heritage Card.
Montana-illegal
Nebraska-illegal
http://digital.outdoornebraska.gov/i/1328062-fishing-guide-2021-web/75
Nevada-illegal
New Hampshire-illegal
New Jersey-illegal
New Mexico-legal 1 jug
New York- illegal
*North Carolina-legal-70 per boat
15A NCAC 10C .0206 TROTLINES, JUG HOOKS AND SET HOOKS
(a) For purposes of this Rule, the following definitions apply:
(1) "set hook" means a fishing device consisting of a single line having no more than three hooks that
is attached at one end only to a stationary object.
(2) "jug hook" means a fishing device consisting of a single line having no more than three hooks that
is attached to a float.
(3) "trotline" means a fishing device consisting of a horizontal common line having multiple hooks
attached.
(b) Except as otherwise prohibited in this Rule, trotlines, jug hooks, and set hooks may be set in the inland waters of North Carolina, provided no live bait is used. Trotlines, jug hooks, and set hooks may not be set in any of the impounded waters on the Sandhills Game Land. Trotlines, jug hooks, and set hooks may not be set in any designated public mountain trout waters except impounded waters of power reservoirs and municipally-owned water supply reservoirs open to the public for fishing. In Lake Waccamaw, trotlines, jug hooks, or set hooks may be set only from October 1 through April 30.
(c) Each trotline, set hook, and jug hook shall bear legible and indelible identification of the user's name and address or the user's Wildlife Resources Commission customer number. Each trotline shall be conspicuously marked at each end and each set hook conspicuously marked at one end with a flag, float, or other prominent object so that its location is readily discernible by boat operators and swimmers. Trotlines shall be set parallel to the nearest shore in all inland fishing waters unless otherwise prohibited. The number of jug hooks that may be fished is limited to 70 per boat. All trotlines, set hooks, and jug hooks shall be fished at least once daily and all fish removed at that time. Trotlines, set hooks, and jug hooks without bait or not labled as described in this Paragraph may be removed from the water by wildlife enforcement officers. It is unlawful to use metal cans or glass jugs as floats.
History Note:
Authority G.S. 113-134; 113-272; 113-292;
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Amended Eff. July 1, 1993; May 1, 1992; July 1, 1989; January 1, 1982;
Temporary Amendment Eff. July 1, 2002;
Amended Eff. August 1, 2015; August 1, 2014; August 1, 2013; May 1, 2008; June 1, 2005; August 1, 2002.
North Dakota-illegal
https://gf.nd.gov/fishing/regulations-guide/2020-22#mannertaking
Ohio-Legal-6 per person
FLOATLINES
A floatline is a fishing line suspended in the water under a float. Floats may not be made of glass or other shatterable material. Floats must bear the name and address or customer identification number of the user. Floats must be freely adrift and be attended by the user at all times. A floatline may only have one single hook (not a treble hook). It is unlawful to set, use, or maintain more than six floatlines in all public waters of the state of Ohio less than 700 surface acres in size.
Floatline or jug fishing is permitted in:
All streams;
Sandusky Bay west of the Conrail Railroad
bridge;
Berlin Lake south & west of State Route 225;
Mosquito Lake north of the causeway and south of a line of buoys designating the waterfowl refuge;
Charles Mill Lake north of State Route 430;
Clendening Lake east of State Route 799;
IAMNOT A PET
GOOD INTENTIONS CAN HURT; LEAVE WILDLIFE IN THE WILD
Seneca Lake south of State Route 147;
Tappan Lake above the gas line causeway
and State Route 646;
Atwood Lake north and east of State Route 542 north at Dellroy;
Piedmont Lake in Sections 11 and 12 of Kirkwood Township;
Wills Creek Lake, except in the area directly in front of the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District boat landing;
All public waters, except where prohibited by the owner in authority.
Oklahoma- Legal
https://www.eregulations.com/oklahoma/fishing/method-of-take
Jugline: Juglines are restricted to no more than five hooks per line and 20 juglines per person. A legal jugline is a vertical line suspended from a nonmetallic or nonglass floating device, drifting free or anchored, and has:
- owner's name and address or customer ID attached;
- been attended at least once every 24 hours.
Oregon-Illegal
Pennsylvania-illegal
Rhode Island-illegal
South Carolina-Legal-floating marker must be white. Can’t sell here.
https://www.eregulations.com/southcarolina/fishing/freshwater-nongame-fishing-regulations
Nongame fishing permits and tags are required, in addition to a valid South Carolina recreational fishing license (also applies to youth under 16), to use the following devices for recreational purposes:
- up to 1 trotline with not more than 50 hooks
- not more than 50 set hooks
- not more than 50 jugs
- up to 2 traps
- 1 gill net no more than 100 yards in length or 3 gill nets, none of which exceed 30 yards in length (This does not apply to shad and herring. See Shad & Herring Fishing Regulations).
- up to 2 eel pots
Markers & Identification of Nongame Devices
- Trotlines, traps, eel pots, gill nets, and hoop nets must be marked with a white floating marker not less than a capacity of one quart and not more than a capacity of one gallon and must be made of solid, buoyant material that does not sink if punctured or cracked. A floating marker must be constructed of plastic, PVC spongex, plastic foam, or cork. A hollow buoy or float, including plastic, metal, or glass bottles or jugs, must not be used, except that a manufactured buoy or float specifically designed for use with nongame fishing devices may be hollow if constructed of heavy duty plastic material and approved by the department. The owner's name and department customer identification number must be legible on each of the white floating markers. Both commercial and recreational fishermen shall comply with provisions of this title pertaining to the marking and use of a nongame fishing device. A trotline must be marked on both ends.
South Dakota-illegal
https://gfp.sd.gov/pages/regulations/
Tennessee-LEGAL
https://www.eregulations.com/tennessee/fishing/methods-other-than-rod-reel
Trotlines, Limblines and Jugs
Trotlines consist of a main line with drop lines to which single hooks are attached. Drop lines must not be closer than 24 inches. Nongame fish, except paddlefish and sturgeon, may be taken without limit. Game fish may be taken according to local limits. There is no limit on catfish, except only one fish may exceed 34 inches. The creel limit for skipjack is 100 fish. Sportfishing trotlines, limblines and jugs must be tagged and/or marked with the owner’s name and address, or TWRA identification number. Trotlines attached to the bank must be tagged on the line within five feet of the bank. Other trotlines must be tagged within five feet of either end, and floating trotlines must be marked on floats. The holder of a sport fishing license may use one or more trotlines not having a combination of more than 100 hooks. Limblines (including yo-yos) must be tagged above water level and are allowed only one hook per line. Sport anglers are limited to 25 limblines. Sport anglers are limited to 50 jugs or blocks and each with only one hook. Trotlines, limblines and jugs must be run at least once each day and are prohibited within 1,000 yards below any TVA or Corps of Engineers dam. Trotlines may not be set within 100 yards of the mouth of any river, creek or slough.
Exceptions:
- Allen Branch Pond and Chilhowee (McKamy) Pond in Cherokee WMA: Closed to jugs and trotlines.
- Bards Lake on Land Between the Lakes: Closed to trotlines and limblines. Jugs permitted from October 1–March 21.
- Beech River Watershed Development Authority: 20 jugs or blocks per boat. Trotlines prohibited.
- Calderwood: Trotlines and limblines prohibited.
- Danville Railroad Bridge Dikes: Trotlines prohibited within 50 yards of dikes.
- Indian Boundary Lake: Closed to trotlines, jugs and limblines.
- New Johnsonville Steam Plant Harbor: 10 jugs or blocks per angler. Trotlines prohibited.
- Norris Reservoir: From January 1 through April 30, trotlines, limblines and jugs are prohibited between River Mile 32 (Point 15) and Hwy. 25E Bridge on the Powell River arm and Between River Mile 137 (Point 31) and the Hwy. 25E Bridge on the Clinch River arm.
- TWRA Lakes: Trotlines and limblines are prohibited. From April 1 through Sept. 30, jug fishing is prohibited on Saturdays, Sundays, Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day. On days open to jug fishing, each boat is limited to 10 jugs or blocks per day.
Texas-LEGAL
Jugline
A fishing line with five or less hooks and a gear tag tied to a free-floating device.
- For use in fresh water only.
- May be used to take nongame fish, channel catfish, blue catfish and flathead catfish only.
Jugline Tagging and Marking Requirements
- Must be used with a valid gear tag (see Definitions) attached within 6 inches of the free-floating device; gear tag is valid for 6 days after the date set out and must include the number of the permit to sell nongame fish taken from fresh water, if applicable. Properly marked buoys or floats qualify as valid gear tags.
- For non-commercial purposes, a jugline must be marked with a free-floating device of any color other than orange that is not less than 6 inches in length and 3 inches in width.
- For commercial purposes, a jugline must be marked with an orange, free-floating device that is not less than 6 inches in length and 3 inches in width.
Placement and Location Restrictions
Juglines may not be used in:
- Community Fishing Lakes
- Reservoirs or sections of rivers lying totally within the boundaries of a state park
- Bellwood Lake in Smith County
- Boerne City Lake in Kendall County
- Brushy Creek Lake and Brushy Creek downstream from the lake to the Williamson/Milam County line
- Canyon Lake Project #6 in Lubbock County
- Dixieland Reservoir in Cameron County
- Gibbons Creek Reservoir in Grimes County
- Lake Bastrop in Bastrop County
- Lake Bryan in Brazos County
- Lakes Coffee Mill and Davy Crockett in Fannin County
- Lake Pflugerville in Travis County
- Lake Naconiche in Nacogdoches County
- North Concho River from O.C. Fisher dam to the Bell Street dam
- South Concho River from Lone Wolf dam to Bell Street dam
- Tankersley Reservoir in Titus County
- Wheeler Branch Reservoir in Somervell County
Utah-Illegal
Vermont-illegal
Virginia-illegal
Washington-illegal