Ice live wells are stil live wells! Be careful!

[NSR Fisher]

Just heard some guy got charged for using a live well, got slapped for all 3 Walleye he had held in there at separate times. Also got a 1 year suspension. The cops were watching him with bino's release 3 different fish from the live well before deciding to move in and charge him.

Just a heads up, they do consider ice live wells possession of a fish so if you don't have tags / there is a zero limit that fish must be released the second the hook is taken out, no exceptions. Have your camera ready to go before you hook the fish to avoid any trouble.

Cutting an ice live well is just the same as tossing it in the live well of your boat. Releasing a fish that has been in an ice live well is considered culling and it is unlawful to do so.

Just a reminder, I don't want anyone making the same mistake this guy did. I would hate to hear of someone trying to get a good picture of a bull trout only to realize holding it in ice water even for a few moments is legally considered possession.

PS: He tried challenging it in court and ended up losing another 3 days of pay from work as well as losing the court battle. The law usually finds a way to win.