Ghageman, Where do you hale from originally? And yes there is a valid reason for this rule. Some of these lake's are small and the eco system couldn't handle the oil and fuel that leak's into them. It effect's the bug hatches fresh water snails and etc.. the very food chain that some of our fresh water game fish depend on. Or it could be native trout are in danger, cutthroat or other specie's, nothing like a coat of petrol to help out the eggs or the small fry. Some of the eco system's in the northwest are very fragile and these rule's are put into effect to protect them. I'm sure Stacey could give even a better explanation than that , but I beleive that pretty much cover's it. So I hope that you enjoy the pristine water's that are available in the northwest and come to enjoy them as much as we do. What seem's to be your favorite type of fish to go after? Take Care.