Oregon fisheries managers recently enacted regulations on a couple popular salmon streams that ban the ever-popular angling “method” of lining to protect fish stocks. On sections of the Trask and Three Rivers, leader length restrictions, as well as some fly and bobber fishing-only regulations will be in place this season.

These gear restrictions are necessary, according to Chris Knutsen, district fish biologist for ODFW’s North Coast Watershed, to discourage the illegal practice of “snagging” or “flossing” fish that concentrate in these areas. Flossing is the practice of drifting line into the gaping mouth of a fish holding in the river current. Large hooks attached to the leader easily hook the fish on the outside of the jaw. ODFW biologists and Oregon State Police have noticed an increase in these illegal fishing practices, which reduces the number of fish available to anglers who are following the rules.

“These snaggers have been aggressive and have displaced legitimate anglers,” said Knutsen. “It is important that we maximize opportunities for law-abiding anglers, and that’s what these gear restrictions are designed to do.”

For more on Oregon’s battle against snagging, click here

For specific changes to the regulations: ODFW