Vienna council adopts catch‑and‑release fishing rules with barbless‑hook and seasonal trout exceptions

Vienna — The council adopted an ordinance establishing a catch‑and‑release fishing authorization and requirements for city‑managed ponds and lakes, and it approved two council amendments addressing hooks and trout harvest.

City legal counsel summarized the draft ordinance and two suggested amendments: require barbless hooks (or remove treble hooks) for catch‑and‑release in specified waters and allow a seasonal trout harvest between June 1 and Oct. 1, with a suggested limit of up to four trout during that period. Council members discussed how barbless hooks affect the likelihood that children will catch fish and how private‑pond practices differ.

After discussion and a series of clarifying questions, councilors voted to adopt both amendments and then passed the ordinance on second reading. The city attorney said he will prepare a final draft with the amendments incorporated.

What happens next: Staff will prepare a final ordinance text that includes the barbless‑hook and seasonal‑trout amendments and publish the updated code language for enforcement in city ponds and event exceptions during special events.