Are Artificial Lures With Scent Attractants Applied Still “Artificial”?

April 22, 2010

Question: I have a question about using scented products on artificial lures fished in rivers where only artificial lures are allowed. The question came up recently while fishing for steelhead from my drift boat on the Mattole River in Humboldt County, where “only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used.” The only definition of an artificial lure I could find was “a man-made lure or fly designed to attract fish.” This definition does not include scented or flavored artificial baits.

Given this, is it legal to apply scented liquids or products to lures while fishing in rivers where only artificial lures may be used? This seems confusing. Does the law prohibit lures with scent impregnated in the lure from the factory, or lures with scent applied by the angler, or both? Any light you can shed on this issue would be greatly appreciated. (North Coast Angler)

Answer: The California Code of Regulations Title 14, section 1.11 states that an artificial lure “… does not include any scented or artificial baits.” This means that attractants may not be applied to the lure while fishing in waters restricted for artificial lure use.

In addition, some people spray WD-40 on their lures. This substance contains petroleum and is specifically prohibited by law to be deposited or introduced into the waters of the state (Fish and Game Code, section 5650).