Is Fishing With Goldfish Illegal – Answered
Using goldfish as bait is a common topic many anglers wonder about. We went through each state’s rules & regulations and contacted their Department of Wildlife to create this resource.
Is it Legal to use Goldfish as Bait?
| State | Can You Use Goldfish as Bait? |
|---|---|
| Alabama | In Alabama it's legal to use goldfish as bait. |
| Alaska | In Alaska it's legal to use goldfish as bait. |
| Arizona | In Arizona it's legal to use goldfish as bait. |
| Arkansas | In Arkansas it's legal to use goldfish as bait. |
| California | In California it's legal to use goldfish as bait. |
| Colorado | In Colorado it's illegal to use goldfish as bait. |
| Connecticut | In Connecticut it's illegal to use goldfish as bait. |
| Delaware | In Delaware it's legal to use goldfish as bait but is discouraged. |
| Florida | In Florida it's illegal to use live goldfish as bait but legal to fish with dead goldfish. |
| Georgia | In Georgia it's illegal to use goldfish as bait. |
| Hawaii | In Hawaii it's legal to use goldfish as bait but requires a baitfish license. |
| Idaho | In Idaho it's illegal to use goldfish as bait. |
| Illinois | In Illinois it's illegal to use goldfish as bait. |
| Indiana | In Indiana it's legal to use goldfish as bait. |
| Iowa | In Iowa it's illegal to use goldfish as bait. |
| Kansas | In Kansas it's legal to use goldfish as bait. |
| Kentucky | In Kentucky it's illegal to use goldfish as bait. |
| Louisiana | In Louisiana it's legal to use goldfish as bait. |
| Maine | In Maine it's illegal to use goldfish as bait. |
| Maryland | In Maryland it's illegal to use goldfish as bait. |
| Massachusetts | In Massachusetts it's illegal to use goldfish as bait. |
| Michigan | In Michigan it's illegal to use goldfish as bait. |
| Minnesota | In Minnesota it's illegal to use goldfish as bait. |
| Mississippi | In Mississippi it's legal to use goldfish as bait. |
| Missouri | In Missouri it's legal to use goldfish as bait. |
| Montana | In Montana it's illegal to use goldfish as bait. |
| Nebraska | In Nebraska it's legal to use goldfish as bait. |
| Nevada | In Nevada it's legal to use goldfish as bait. |
| New Hampshire | In New Hampshire it's illegal to use goldfish as bait. |
| New Jersey | In New Jersey it's illegal to use goldfish as bait. |
| New Mexico | In New Mexico it's illegal to use goldfish as bait. |
| New York | In New York it's illegal to use goldfish as bait. |
| North Carolina | In North Carolina it's illegal to use goldfish as bait. You are only allowed to use bait that you caught in the water you are fishing. |
| North Dakota | In North Dakota it's illegal to use live goldfish as bait but legal to fish with dead goldfish. |
| Ohio | In Ohio it's legal to use goldfish as bait. |
| Oklahoma | In Oklahoma it's illegal to use goldfish as bait. |
| Oregon | In Oregon it's illegal to use goldfish as bait. |
| Pennsylvania | In Pennsylvania it's illegal to use goldfish as bait. |
| Rhode Island | In Rhode Island it's illegal to use goldfish as bait. |
| South Carolina | In South Carolina it's legal to use goldfish as bait. |
| South Dakota | In South Dakota it's illegal to use goldfish as bait. |
| Tennessee | In Tennessee it's illegal to use goldfish as bait. |
| Texas | In Texas it's illegal to use goldfish as bait. |
| Utah | In Utah it's illegal to use goldfish as bait. |
| Vermont | In Vermont it's illegal to use goldfish as bait. |
| Virginia | In Virginia it's legal to use goldfish as bait. |
| Washington | In Washington it's illegal to use goldfish as bait. |
| West Virginia | In West Virginia it's illegal to use live goldfish as bait but legal to fish with dead goldfish. |
| Wisconsin | In Wisconsin it's illegal to use goldfish as bait. |
| Wyoming | In Wyoming it's illegal to use goldfish as bait. |
Why is Fishing With Goldfish Illegal in Some States?
Some states prohibit using goldfish as bait to prevent the introduction of invasive species. Goldfish are not native to the United States. Invasive species can cause harm to the ecosystem.
What kind of fish can you catch with goldfish?
- Bass
- Catfish
- Crappie
- Gar
- Muskie
- Walleye
Do goldfish make good fish bait?
Goldfish can be good bait due to their hardiness. Goldfish can withstand a lot of stress and a wide range of temperatures and water quality. This allows goldfish to survive longer than other fish that are often used as bait.
What happens if you get caught with goldfish?
If you are caught using goldfish as bait in a state where their use is illegal you will be issued a fine. The fine varies state to state but many are in the $100 range.
Will bass eat goldfish?
Bass will eat goldfish if given the chance. Goldfish are often fed to bass in captivity.
Do catfish eat goldfish?
Catfish will eat goldfish if given the chance.
Note: State laws are subject to change through the passage of new legislation, ballot initiatives, rulings in courts, and other means. While we strive to provide the most up to date information available, please consult a lawyer or verify the state law(s) you are researching.
We strive to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information possible. We routinely review and update our articles but don’t always make corrections as soon as they happen. If you see incorrect information please help us by submitting a correction form.