Capture Efficiency of Barbed versus Barbless Artificial Flies for Trout

I examined the capture efficiency of artificial flies fished with barbed and barbless hooks in various coldwater fisheries throughout California. Capture efficiency was defined as the proportion of trout (family Salmonidae) landed to the total number of trout hooked while angling. Waters were selected based on high catch per unit effort along with trout species present in an effort to increase the probability of encounters and the species represented. Artificial flies were standardized by J‐style hooks and three artificial fly types (dry, nymph, and streamer). In an effort to reduce bias, anglers were not told what hook type (i.e., barbed or barbless) they were using and were not allowed to handle or visually inspect flies. A total of 1,617 trout were landed with a mean total length of 213 mm and a range of 64–660 mm. Mean capture efficiency (and ranges) was 76% (38–100%) for anglers using barbed flies and 63% (0–100%) for anglers using barbless flies. Results show that anglers using barbless flies landed proportionately less trout than when they used barbed flies. Fisheries managers must weigh any perceived benefits from barbless regulations with potential reductions in catch rates and associated angler satisfaction. Received May 24, 2012; accepted January 17, 2013