Flossing for Salmon and Whether It's Legal in Washington

It can be incredibly frustrating to see a massive salmon run on your favorite Washington river, only to watch them ignore every perfectly presented lure or bait. Many anglers, in their eagerness to connect with one of these magnificent fish, might be tempted by a technique known as "flossing" or "lining" salmon. However, this method lives in a very grey, often illegal, area of fishing regulations, and understanding why is crucial to staying on the right side of the law and maintaining good fishing ethics. This comprehensive guide will explain what flossing entails, why it's generally not permitted in Washington, and how to enjoy a legal and rewarding salmon fishing experience.

Table of Contents

What Exactly is "Flossing" for Salmon?

The term "flossing" or "lining" for salmon describes a method where an angler attempts to hook a fish not by enticing it to bite a lure or bait, but by running their fishing line through the fish's mouth and intentionally snagging it somewhere on the outside of its body, usually in the jaw, head, or even shoulder. It’s a technique born out of frustration when salmon are present in large numbers but aren't actively biting.

The Technique Described

Imagine a river teeming with spawning salmon. They're often in various stages of their life cycle, moving upstream, and not necessarily feeding. A "flosser" will typically use a weighted leader with a bare hook (or sometimes a small, unbaited lure) and cast it upstream of a salmon or a school of salmon. The idea is for the line, due to the current and weight, to drift through the fish's mouth. As the line reaches the end of the drift or the angler senses contact, they'll often give a sharp tug or "sweep" of the rod, hoping to embed the hook into the fish's head or mouth area. It's a deliberate act to foul-hook the fish, rather than relying on an actual bite.

This is distinct from an accidental foul-hook, which can happen to anyone. With flossing, the intent is to use the line and current dynamics to position the hook for an external hook-up. Anglers might use heavier lines, specific weights, and longer leaders to achieve this drift, essentially "flossing" the fish's mouth with their line before setting the hook.

Why Anglers Resort to It

The primary reason anglers resort to flossing is desperation and the sheer challenge of catching salmon that aren't biting. During certain times of year, especially as salmon transition from their ocean feeding grounds to their freshwater spawning grounds, their predatory instincts diminish. They might be aggressive towards other fish or objects in their spawning territory, but often won't actively chase or bite a traditional lure or bait. When you see hundreds, even thousands, of powerful Chinook or Coho salmon swimming past you, it's incredibly tempting to try anything to get one on the line.

The thrill of landing a large salmon is undeniable, and for some, the method becomes less important than the outcome. This is especially true when fishing heavily pressured rivers like sections of the Columbia River or its tributaries, where competition can be fierce and traditional methods might not yield results when fish are "lock-jawed." It's an unfortunately common shortcut that prioritizes the catch over the sport.

The Ethical Debate Around Flossing

The ethical debate surrounding flossing is deeply rooted in the concept of "fair chase" and the spirit of angling. Most ethical anglers believe fishing should involve a fish willingly taking a bait or lure. Flossing, by its very design, bypasses this fundamental interaction. It's seen by many as a form of snagging, which is widely condemned as unsportsmanlike and often illegal.

Opponents argue that flossing doesn't require skill in presentation or understanding fish behavior; it relies on brute force and luck to physically embed a hook. Furthermore, fish that are foul-hooked often fight differently, are more prone to injury, and if released, may have a lower survival rate. It undermines the integrity of the sport and can lead to overharvesting of fish that are particularly vulnerable in their spawning aggregations. For those who value conservation and the long-term health of fish populations, flossing is an absolute no-go.

The Letter of the Law: Is Flossing Illegal in Washington?

In Washington State, the legality of flossing is clear: it is generally considered illegal. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) regulations explicitly address methods of taking fish, focusing on the principle that fish must be hooked in the mouth or jaw. Any intentional act to hook a fish externally is prohibited.

Washington's Definition of Legal Hooking

The core of Washington's fishing regulations hinges on the concept of a "legal hook-up." According to WDFW, a fish is legally hooked if it is hooked in the mouth or jaw. This definition is critical and forms the basis for prohibiting techniques like flossing. The rules are designed to ensure that fish are caught by enticing them to bite, rather than by physically impaling them.

Understanding Where a Salmon Must Be Hooked to Legally Keep It is paramount for any angler in Washington. If you land a fish that is hooked anywhere outside of its mouth or jaw, even accidentally, you might be required to release it immediately, depending on specific area rules and species. The intent of the regulations is to promote fair and ethical angling practices that align with the conservation goals of the state.

Intent vs. Accidental Foul Hooking

This is where things can get a little nuanced, but the WDFW regulations are quite clear on the distinction between intent and accident.

Accidental Foul Hooking: It happens to the best of us. You're drift fishing for steelhead, and a large salmon swims into your line, or a fish darts at your lure and gets tangled. If you retrieve a fish that is clearly hooked in the pectoral fin, the belly, or the tail unintentionally, the regulations typically require immediate release. This is not considered a violation unless you attempt to retain the fish or if your fishing method is designed to maximize foul-hooking opportunities, which brings us to intent.
Intentional Foul Hooking (Flossing/Snagging): This is where flossing falls squarely into the illegal category. If a WDFW enforcement officer observes an angler repeatedly casting and sweeping their rod in a manner consistent with trying to intentionally foul-hook fish, or if they find multiple fish retained by an angler that are all externally hooked, it can be considered illegal snagging or flossing. The key is the deliberate effort to hook a fish outside the mouth. The state's regulations are designed to prevent exactly this kind of activity.

Specific Rules for Snagging and Foul-Hooking

Washington fishing regulations are very explicit about snagging and foul-hooking. The general rule states that it is unlawful to fish for game fish or food fish with a gear configuration or method designed to, or that results in, the taking of fish by snagging or foul-hooking.

The WDFW pamphlet, a vital resource for any angler, details these prohibitions. For instance, specific rules might dictate that all fish not hooked in the mouth must be immediately released unharmed. Furthermore, certain areas or seasons might have more stringent rules, such as mandatory single-point barbless hooks or even bait bans, which indirectly make snagging less effective and easier to identify. You can dive deeper into these specifics by reading about Snagging and Foul-Hooking: What's Illegal in Washington. It's not just about the act of snagging, but the method used that facilitates it. Any gear or technique that prioritizes external hooking over a natural bite is generally frowned upon and likely illegal.

Practical Implications for Anglers on Washington Rivers

As an angler, it's not enough to simply know the rules; you also need to understand how they're enforced and how to ensure your own practices don't inadvertently put you in a tough spot. Wardens are experienced and can often tell the difference between an accidental foul-hook and an intentional act.

How Wardens Interpret and Enforce the Rules

WDFW enforcement officers (game wardens) are highly trained individuals who spend countless hours on the rivers and lakes of Washington. They're not just looking for a fish hooked in the wrong place; they're looking at the entire scenario. This includes:

Your gear: Are you using unusually heavy weights, bare hooks, or specialized flossing rigs? Are your hooks excessively large for the intended technique?
Your casting and retrieval technique: Are you repeatedly casting upstream and performing aggressive "sweeps" or "jerks" that aren't consistent with a natural retrieve for a lure or bait?
The location: Are you fishing in an area known for high concentrations of non-biting, spawning salmon, where flossing attempts might be more prevalent?
Your catch: If a warden inspects your cooler and finds multiple fish that are all hooked externally, it's a huge red flag that suggests intentional flossing.
Witness accounts: Other ethical anglers might report suspicious activity.

Wardens understand that accidental foul-hooking can happen. If you immediately release an accidentally foul-hooked fish and continue fishing with legitimate methods, you're usually fine. The problem arises when the pattern of your fishing suggests an attempt to circumvent the fair chase principle.

Avoiding the Appearance of Flossing

To avoid any misunderstanding or appearing as if you're flossing, here are some practical tips:

Use appropriate gear: Ensure your tackle is suited for attracting a bite, not snagging. This means using lures, flies, or baits that are known to provoke a strike.
Fish with a purpose: When casting, aim to present your offering to fish that might actively bite. Focus on pools, runs, and current seams where fish might hold and react to your presentation.
Vary your retrieve: If you're using lures or jigs, vary your retrieve to mimic natural prey. Avoid repetitive, aggressive jerking motions unless they are a legitimate part of a specific lure's action.
Know your limits: If salmon aren't biting, sometimes the best thing to do is switch locations, try a different technique, or even call it a day. Frustration can lead to poor decisions.
Be ready to release: If you accidentally foul-hook a fish, immediately and carefully release it. Have your pliers or de-hooker ready to minimize stress on the fish. You should be familiar with Catch-and-Release Rules During Wild Steelhead Closures as the principles of immediate release and minimizing harm apply to all foul-hooked fish.
Carry your license and catch card: Always have your Washington Fishing License Guide for Nonresidents (or resident license) and any required catch record cards readily available, either physically or on the MyWDFW App, to show wardens you are prepared and fishing legally.

Penalties for Illegally Hooked Fish

Fishing without a valid license or violating fishing regulations in Washington can lead to significant penalties. Retaining an illegally hooked fish, especially if the method used was intentional snagging or flossing, can result in:

Fines: These can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on the severity of the offense and the species involved. Penalties for keeping a wild steelhead, for example, are typically much higher than for a hatchery trout.
Forfeiture of catch: Any illegally caught fish will be confiscated.
Seizure of gear: In egregious cases, your fishing gear (rods, reels, boat, etc.) could be seized.
License suspension or revocation: Repeat offenders or those committing serious violations can lose their fishing privileges for an extended period, or even permanently. This means no fishing for you in Washington waters.
Criminal charges: In the most severe cases, particularly those involving commercial poaching or protected species, charges can escalate to misdemeanors or even felonies. You can learn more about Fines and Penalties for Common Fishing Violations to understand the full scope.

It's simply not worth the risk. The financial and legal repercussions far outweigh the fleeting satisfaction of an illegally caught fish.

Legal and Ethical Alternatives for Catching Salmon

So, if flossing is out, how do you actually catch salmon in Washington when they're not biting like crazy? The good news is, there are plenty of effective, legal, and ethical techniques that have been proven over generations of angling.

Proven Techniques for Targeting Salmon Legally

Instead of trying to physically snag a fish, focus on techniques that entice a salmon to strike. Even if salmon aren't actively feeding, they can still be aggressive or territorial, leading them to strike out of instinct or annoyance.

Drift Fishing: This is a classic river technique, especially effective for salmon and steelhead. You use a presentation (like an egg cluster, yarn, or a small bait-wrapped Kwikfish or Corky) that drifts naturally along the bottom, simulating dislodged food or intruding objects. The goal is for the fish to mouth the bait or strike it as an irritant. Mastering this requires understanding how Drift Fishing for Steelhead in Washington Rivers works, as many of the principles apply to salmon too.
Casting & Retrieving Lures: Spoons, spinners, and twitching jigs can be incredibly effective. The erratic action and flash can provoke an aggressive strike from a salmon defending its territory or simply reacting to a perceived threat. Brands like Blue Fox, Aerojig, or P-Line often have great options.
Bobber & Jig/Bait: For certain areas and species, fishing a bait (like cured roe) or a jig under a bobber can be deadly. It keeps your presentation suspended at a specific depth, allowing salmon to see it clearly and often leading to a subtle, yet firm, take.
Trolling: In larger rivers or saltwater environments like Puget Sound, trolling with downriggers, divers, and various lures or bait presentations (like rigged herring) is a highly effective way to cover water and find actively feeding salmon. This method relies entirely on the fish striking the lure or bait. Learn more about Trolling for Salmon in Washington's Puget Sound.

Gear and Tactics for Clean Hook-Ups

Having the right gear and knowing how to use it makes a huge difference in achieving legal, clean hook-ups.

Sharp Hooks: This might sound obvious, but incredibly sharp hooks are essential. They penetrate easily with minimal force, increasing your chances of a solid mouth hook-up when a fish actually bites or swipes at your lure. You can find excellent hook sharpeners or replacement hooks from brands like Gamakatsu or Owner on Amazon.
Appropriate Rod Action: For many salmon techniques, a rod with a sensitive tip but a strong backbone is ideal. The sensitive tip allows you to feel subtle takes, while the backbone provides the power to set the hook firmly in the fish's jaw.
Line Choice: Using quality monofilament, fluorocarbon, or braided line suitable for the conditions will improve your feel and hook-setting power.
Leader Material and Length: Understanding how leader material and length affect your presentation is crucial. A longer, lighter fluorocarbon leader can be almost invisible in clear water, encouraging more natural takes.
Reading the Water: Learn to identify where salmon hold in a river. Look for current breaks, deep pools, log jams, and gravel bars. Presenting your gear directly to these spots increases your odds of a legitimate bite.
Patience and Persistence: These are arguably the most important tools in an ethical angler's arsenal. Salmon fishing can be challenging, and success often comes to those who are patient and willing to adapt their techniques.

The Long-Term Benefits of Ethical Angling

Beyond the legal ramifications, embracing ethical angling practices has significant long-term benefits for both the individual angler and the resource:

Sustainable Fisheries: When we fish ethically, we contribute to the health and sustainability of fish populations. By avoiding wasteful practices like snagging and minimizing harm to released fish, we ensure there will be fish for future generations.
Enhanced Reputation: Ethical anglers foster a positive image for the sport. This can help prevent stricter regulations or closures that might arise from widespread unethical behavior.
Greater Personal Satisfaction: There's an immense sense of accomplishment that comes from outsmarting a fish through skill, knowledge, and fair play. A legally caught salmon, earned through perseverance and proper technique, feels far more rewarding than one that was simply snagged.
Improved Skills: Sticking to legal and ethical methods forces you to become a better angler. You learn more about fish behavior, water dynamics, and presentation, which makes you more successful in the long run.
Community Respect: Fellow anglers, guides, and WDFW wardens respect those who adhere to the rules and demonstrate good sportsmanship. This builds a positive community around the sport.

Always refer to the most current Washington Sport Fishing Regulations Pamphlet before heading out. Rules can change seasonally or even with Emergency Rule Changes: Why Washington's Rules Shift Mid-Season, so staying informed is key.

Here's a quick comparison of legal vs. illegal hooking scenarios:

Scenario	Hook Placement	Legality in Washington	Recommended Action
Legal Catch	Inside mouth/jaw	Legal	Retain (if within limits) or release carefully
Accidental Foul-Hook	Outside mouth (e.g., fin, belly)	Generally illegal to retain	Immediately release unharmed
Intentional Flossing/Snagging	Outside mouth (anywhere)	Illegal	Do not attempt; severe penalties if caught
Fish Bites, Hook Slips Out	Hook not engaged	Legal	Keep fishing, try again!

Ultimately, responsible angling is about respecting the fish, the regulations, and the spirit of the sport. While the temptation to take a shortcut might be strong when fish are abundant but uncooperative, choosing the ethical and legal path ensures a more fulfilling experience and contributes to the health of Washington's incredible fisheries.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this guide is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Fishing regulations in Washington State are subject to frequent changes. Always consult the most current Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) regulations pamphlet and emergency rule changes before engaging in any fishing activity. It is the angler's responsibility to know and comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

Flossing for Salmon and Whether It’s Legal in Washington