Saukit

No problems with your characterization of the problem down here in WA; I think a lack of enforcement is one of the major management problems down here.

But I do not believe "lining" is a big enough problem in WA streams to have leader length restrictions, particularly for steelhead. I habitually run a 4-5' leader in the winter and up to the length of my rod when throwing flies in gin clear water during Aug/Sept. There is a clear advantage to do so, in my opinion, when working deep or bouldery water.

I can't recall ever hooking a steelhead on the outside corner of the mouth, which is typical of lined fish. I've certainly unintentionally snagged a few, as do we all, especially at terminals, but I think steelhead are less likely to be lined because of their smaller mouths and the fact that they don't pack together in tight schools like salmon.

I think blatant 'snagging rigs' should be outlawed, like a bare hook with split shots at the eye and a foot above, or weight below the hook on a dropper.

But I believe, having leader length restrictions will simply make illegal, an effective means to fish by good anglers trying to catch fish during non-optimal periods (low/clear summer water).