Wild & Scenic Waters

Description

Wild & Scenic rivers are federally protected under the 1968 Wild & Scenic Rivers Act, preserving free-flowing character and outstanding natural values. This is a preservation status, not a fishery management classification, though the two often overlap.

The designation prohibits federal support for actions such as dam construction or instream structures that would harm the river's free-flowing condition, water quality, or outstanding resource values. Rivers are classified as:

• Wild: Primitive, inaccessible
• Scenic: Primitive shorelines, accessible by roads
• Recreational: Accessible, some development

For anglers, this designation ensures protection against new dams and bank development, preserving the physical habitat required for wild trout reproduction.

Criteria

Federally protected under 1968 Wild & Scenic Rivers Act. Rivers must possess "outstandingly remarkable values" (ORVs) in scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, historic, cultural, or other similar values.

FAQ

What is a Wild & Scenic River?

Wild & Scenic rivers are federally protected under the 1968 Wild & Scenic Rivers Act. This is a preservation status, not a fishery management classification, though the two often overlap. Rivers are classified as Wild (primitive, inaccessible), Scenic (primitive shorelines, accessible by roads), or Recreational (accessible, some development). The designation protects rivers with "outstandingly remarkable values" (ORVs) in scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, historic, cultural, or other similar values.

What does Wild & Scenic protection mean?

The designation prohibits federal support for actions such as dam construction or instream structures that would harm the river's free-flowing condition, water quality, or outstanding resource values. For anglers, this ensures protection against new dams and bank development, preserving the physical habitat required for wild trout reproduction.

Can I fish on Wild & Scenic rivers?

Yes, fishing is generally allowed on Wild & Scenic rivers, but regulations vary by location. Always check local regulations and obtain proper licenses before fishing. Note that a river can be an incredible fishery (like the Taylor River tailwater) without being Wild & Scenic, and a river can be Wild & Scenic without being a premier trout fishery.