Oregon to reconsider barbed hooks in Willamette

SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission will consider allowing barbed hooks for salmon and steelhead in the lower Willamette River when it meets Friday.

The meeting begins at 8 a.m. at the headquarters of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, 4034 Fairview Industrial Drive S.E.

The barbless hook requirement on the lower Willamette began in 2013 as part of the Columbia River Fisheries Management Reform package adopted in 2012.

Oregon officials are recommending a rule change to allowed barbed hooks on the lower Willamette, inside Youngs Bay and in lower Gnat Creek.

The change would not apply to the mainstem Columbia River.

The intent of the barbless hook rule was to reduce mortality among Endangered Species Act-listed salmon and steelhead caught and released by anglers.

However, there are high proportions of hatchery fish caught in these areas and Oregon has more flexibility in how it manages ESA limitations in the Willlamette than on the mainstem Columbia.