What is considerd a "weighted fly"?

New to flyfishing the SR, in other words haven't yet, but what does DEC consider a weighted fly? Lead wire tied into the fly, beadheads?

And from reading posts on here that's a no-no?
 

Some of us are beginning to wonder how 'added weight" is defined.  If I tie a Rabbit fly with the hair on the leather, and the leather soaks up water, does the water in the hide constitute "added weight"?  We have always assumed it meant fuse wire or cones or metal that was not part of the construction, but it has been tradition in fly tying for years to use materials that liked to soak up water and then sink to construct wet flies, things like wool and chenille. 
 
L13  

For salmon I used to prefer my flies weighted and my leader not. Generally the water is lower and warmer at that time so swinging a beaded eye streamer was more effective ( and less hang ups ) then nymphing a estaz fly with shot.
In the spring I like to again go back to the streamer swing for steelhead so I will lead wrap the hook before tying. The water is usually higher so yes, I may add a small shot on the tippet close to the fly. I think a sink tip or t-11 leader would probably be effective as well.

During winter I feel things need to be slow and low ( close to their line of sight ) for best success so the switch goes to added shot to the leader more then weighting the fly.
Most of my flies at that time become smaller such as nymph and egg patterns. As for the zones, the 1/8 oz rule kinda makes things more defined from the previous ( line casting the fly) . It' still does not define "intent" as some still intent to hook fish in many ways, long leaders , dredging and of course the stealth snagging ( big belly in line and sweep the lift) . It somewhat limits the legit angler but I think a good fisher can over come and use his skills instead. Example , fish the inside seams close to the bank or use an indicator in the soft water.
All in all I believe , at least the lfz in my short time fishing it has become much better but some folks still use lesson followed by some paper if thy chose not to comply.

If you stick with the intentions of fishing instead of trying to hook fish then we are all anglers in the end.

Charlie... I too like to handle more line than the common folk every now and then... no need to break the habit... just use with discretion.. always an adrenaline rush to see your mending patterns straighten out from an aggressive strike with a lot of line out... fuk the criticism... you're a class A flyfisher bud do as you please!

Great discussion, Fichy, HT, et al!  Bravo!  This is what makes this board worthwhile!
 
L13

I guess the question may be what is considered fishing ?
we answered the weight per regs and I think fairly well..
 
So here is a fishing story:
On the Ausable and other adk rivers I use Rapalas often.. If I cast and retrieve, be it steady or a stop and go I can catch a fish or two.. I will watch many follow and swim away..
If I "rip and jerk " the lure rapidly making it very erratic ( Instant ticket on the SR ) I will catch MANY more fish.. I will watch them swipe and attack the lure..
Same goes for lakers on Ice from 120' deep up to the hole..
 
So the story goes, follow the regs but always keep fishing
 
 

YEA- it gets dicey fishing  down stream in Spring for Steel in deep bankside runs or around snags on the SR . Like the man  says - as long as YOU know your not snagging. I generally try not to lift my tip and draw some line by hand so as to keep it VERY limited when adding some action.
 Would like to think any L/E watching would pickup on the fishing as opposed to a snagging attempt.