What is the law on ownership of creeks/rivers passing thru private land? In other words, can anybody walk creeks/rivers, as long as you stay in the creek bed without crossing fences, is this considered trespassing?
Rob. Creeks are usually private property and walking the bed would require the owners permission. Rivers are different; you can walk or float the river but the bank may be private property. If there is any question always get permission no matter what, then you have no worries. Each state has its own set of rules so check the antiquities laws before you go. Good luck !
Thanks for the info, I pass several nice looking creeks going to my camp house and have been wanting to stop and do a quick search, I'll look for any houses close by and try to get approval, disgruntled property owners can sometimes be real mean!!!!
I called Texas Parks & Wildlife a couple of years and asked them that question.
They told me that the river had to be 30' wide and navigatable with a boat, with a motor, other wise it was trespassing.
Just a little more info on the subject, in Texas the "first bank" on each side of the river is state land, therefore can walk on first couple feet of the bank of the river and not be trespassing. That came from a Texas county sheriff. Now some land owners probably don't see it that way. But as far as I know that is the law.