Ririe and a stupid whoops!

[Belasko]

I figured with the nice weather that maybe black tail would be good if the gate was open. On the plus side the gate was open and several people were there wandering with a few fishing. There was still some ice towards the narrows arm most the way across. Willow creek looked clear as far as you could see. However the water was pretty murky and still only up to the ends of the boat ramp. Tried casting a little but it drops off so gradually I doubt I was ever more than 4 feet deep. Didn't have worms which is what some were catching a few trout on so I headed back towards the car. As I get to the paking lot the IDFG were getting ready to put their boat in. Nice guys and friendly. Of course they wanted to check licenses. I get mine out and as soon as I pull it out I notice it says C13 on it. Since ririe never really iced over I hadn't gone out in January and so hadn't bought a license yet and didn't even think that I hadn't picked one up this late in the season. I admitted I didn't have a current one and to go ahead and give me the ticket or whatever. They were very nice and professional. Just said you know it is three months into the season right? Anyway they filled out the citation so I get to talk to the county folks in a couple weeks. Hopefully they'll be nice. I still can't believe I didn't even consider that I hadn't bought a license yet. Anyway, moral of the story is check it before you go fishing! I figure the fishing in black tail is still a few weeks away before it gets much good for perch. But if all your registrations are in for this year you can launch at black tail now.
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