I am so happy to see so many people interested in saving Cutts, so many encouraging catch and release. I think these fish are beautiful, and almost spiritual!
In Oregon the regulations are up for revision this fall. A central coast biologist proposed reopening cutthroat fishing with a limit of 2 over 8 inches daily on the coastal streams. After public hearings before the commissioners throughout the state, it appears that public clamor by central coast interests will get their two fish limit from the Salmon river Southward. Watersheds North of that, starting with Tillamook Bay will remain on catch and release status. Inland, such as the Columbia river tribs, there was no discussion for reopening whatsoever as populations remain a serious concern.
I have done a great deal of cutthroat fishing this summer on several streams. I have experienced excellent results, with fish running to 19 inches. (Ten years old? Wow! Cool!) Hopefully, I have created minimal mortality on these beautiful creatures by fishing barbless hooks voluntarily. It appears that native cutthroat populations have been recovering in the past few years, however, it is obvious to me that native fish won't support a catch and keep fishery at this point.
One question though, since you can't keep cutts on the coast now, why don't they make it mandatory to fish without barbs? It seems weird, no keepers, but fish with barbs? ARGH! If you ever fish for cutts, please pinch your barb and never take the fish out of water!
Jen

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Jennie the crazy fishin musician