UFK

Thanks for bringing up the topic.

The "Flossing" method of taking fish is becoming an issue here in infamous Northern California.

I imagine you have seen this practice in your area for a while. Here on the Upper Klamath, I have seen it come about in just the last two years. Although North of me, on the Rogue River in Oregon, it is the preferred technique for taking Salmon by 95% of "drift fisherman". The "springers" on the upper Rouge are not biters, so this technique as we all know, works very well for fish that are stacked. And most of the fisherman actually believe that they are landing fish that willingly took the hook.

I've been sharing ideas and remedies with one of our local wardens. He is aware of what is happening and is actually working with the regulators to alter the tackle regulations in the uppper river. The typical Flossing setup here is 30# mainline, 1oz.+ sliding wieght, 8+ feet of 20# leader, 1-2 small corkies, and a 3/0 or better hook. The reg changes would entail: a maximum leader length of 36", and wieght must be hard tied, and can be on a dropper no longer than the leader.(or a variation of the same) In my opinion, the legal fisherman, boat and bank, would not be affected by these regs. And I feel it would greatly discourage the snagging in the mouth techique. (Realize it would be a limited time and area restriction). Don't get me wrong I hate more regs. Its nearly impossible to fully understand our salmon regs. Even the wardens get confused.

Have you had any regulations created to address this problem? I only ask because we fight very similar fishery battles here, as you do. Even though we are vastly different States. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

YoungManRiver
Klamath River, CA