WDFW director seeks voluntary use of barbless hooks on Columbia River

[huntergreg]

OLYMPIA - Columbia River anglers who fish for salmon and steelhead will not be required to switch to barbless hooks next year, but state fishery managers are asking them to do it voluntarily.

"Going barbless only makes sense in these fisheries where we’re trying to maximize survival rates for released wild fish," said Phil Anderson, director of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). "Anglers can play an important role in that effort by using barbless hooks."

Anderson made his appeal to anglers after informing the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission of plans to delay a new rule - originally set to begin Jan. 1 - that would require anglers to use barbless hooks in salmon and steelhead fisheries from the mouth of the Columbia River to McNary Dam.

The Washington commission, which sets policy for WDFW, approved that requirement, the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission did not. Anderson said the prospect of having incompatible fishing regulations on a portion of the Columbia River jointly managed by the two states prompted him to delay the barbless rule for at least a year.

"The two states have worked together for nearly a hundred years to avoid conflicting fishing regulations that would create confusion for anglers on the Columbia River," Anderson said. "Delaying the barbless rule is disappointing, but we’re going to continue to pursue it."

Anderson noted that the border between Washington and Oregon - which determines which state’s fishing rules are in effect - is hard to define along the Columbia River. "Down near the mouth, about 90 percent of the river is in Oregon," he said. "That changes as you move upriver."

Anderson said barbless hooks, knotless nets and careful handling of released fish are all ways that anglers can contribute to recovery of wild salmon and steelhead runs in the Columbia River.

"Anything we can do to rebuild wild runs will ultimately help maintain or expand fishing opportunities for hatchery fish," Anderson said. "We hope that all anglers will get behind that idea and voluntarily switch to barbless hooks." 

[beagledog]

how about the fish that are not released from the nets
They have already tried this with sturgeon and I honestly cant say Ive lost one do to the barbless hooks so the barbless hooks are not so much the problem here but when does it stop placing the blame on the guy that's just out to have fun and catch some fish
I would like to see them just put a limit on how many steelhead and salmon wild or hatch you are allowed a year and then you are done  lose your punch card your done then to

[ICEMAN]

Why doesn't wildlife ask us just not to fish?

[beagledog]

Why doesn't wildlife ask us just not to fish?

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ enough said

[Wacenturion]

He fails to mention why Oregon is not opting for the regulation.......no scientific proof to back it up.  How about dealing with all the incidental catch and waste with nets....might save a few, you think?

[Special T]

If you want to improve survival rates of salmon how about whacking some sea lions? bet that would help! 

[chester]

If you want to improve survival rates of salmon how about whacking some sea lions? bet that would help! 

Im suprised nobody has brought that up to CN to see if they can.

[Special T]

Its a federal ESA thing... Not supposed to but might not get in as much trouble...

[chester]

i thought that only applied to stellars, not californian?

[DOUBLELUNG]

Voluntary - make a mistake, get some advice.  Mandatory - make a mistake, get a ticket.  Our choice.

[Special T]

I have it on good authority that Natives have to ad hear to all applicable federal laws, such as the Marine Mammal protection act, migratory bird act, etc..   

[throttlejocky20]

Barbed hooks dont kill fish, poeple who dont handle fish properly when released thats the issue.

[Ray]

Why don't they seek that people voluntarily fish sans gill net?

[Bigshooter]

How about they get the f@#%ing nets out of the river first and then i'll think about it.