ACTION ALERT: Protect America’s Roadless Lands
August 26, 2026
Association of Northwest Steelheaders Annual Board Meeting Recap
The Association of Northwest Steelheaders held its annual board meeting on August 8, bringing together board members and chapter leaders from across Oregon and Southwest Washington to celebrate a year of growth, share chapter accomplishments, identify challenges, and look ahead to the Association’s future.
The past year saw significant growth in both membership and programming. The Learn to Fish clinics, led by Chapters and volunteers in Collaboration with ODFW, brought in more than 100 new members. The second annual Steelheaders Film Festival drew more than 130 attendees and introduced the organization to many new audiences. Family Fish Camp brought together 15 families with the help of more than 30 volunteers. The community yard sale was a major success, with more than a dozen vendors participating and hundreds of shoppers. The Association also reached a new phase in our public access improvement program by securing grant resources to repair Feldheimer boat launch.
Membership has remained strong at approximately 800 members, while the Association’s online advocacy program continues to provide members with opportunities to participate in important fisheries and conservation issues.
Chapters Make a Difference
Chapter reports highlighted the breadth of volunteer work happening throughout the organization. From river cleanups, fish-alongs, and hatchery projects to youth fishing events, veterans programs, and public access improvements, chapters continue to be the backbone of the Steelheaders’ work.
Chapter Reports
Clackamas Chapter
The Clackamas Chapter reported a productive year of activities and community engagement. The chapter partnered with the Sandy Chapter on the Social Security Beach Fish-Along and participated in a river cleanup in September. Work on the Feldheimer Floating Boat Launch project began in October, followed by the chapter’s annual Christmas party in December. Additional activities included the Prescott Beach Fish-Along in April and a summer potluck in June.
Columbia Chapter
The Columbia River Chapter reported continued membership growth and welcomed Jared Blake as its new vice president. The chapter remains actively engaged in veterans’ fishing events and several community park improvement projects. Members are also working with Representative Gluesenkamp Perez on legislation addressing sea lion management.
Emerald Empire Chapter
The Emerald Empire Chapter highlighted its continued commitment to youth, veterans, public access, and hatchery-related activities. Key efforts included the Kids with Cancer program, multiple boat launch projects, ongoing hatchery operations raising approximately 15,000 steelhead each year, and a veterans fishing event at Diamond Lake. The chapter’s annual auction continues to serve as its primary fundraising event.
Mid-Valley Chapter
The Mid-Valley Chapter reported significant involvement in hatchery and fisheries enhancement efforts, including support for hatchery and spawning activities at Rushing River. The chapter also maintained an active schedule of youth and community fishing programs, including the Willamette Sportsman’s Show fishing pond, fishing events for children with disabilities at Lake Charles, the Santiam Correctional Institution family fishing event, and fishing instruction for scouts at Camp Tadmore. The chapter is also working to update the Association’s mobile fishing pond trailers and recognized the important contributions of scouts who assist with its events.
Salem Chapter
The Salem Chapter continued to strengthen relationships with partner organizations, including CCA, Mid-Willamette Valley Anglers, and Nestucca Anglers. The chapter supported the Casper fishing event for children with disabilities, participated in the Polk County Sportsman Show, and assisted with a fin-clipping event at a local hatchery.
Sandy Chapter
The Sandy Chapter reported a robust schedule of angling education, conservation, and community activities. The chapter hosted a Steelhead 101 class with 32 participants, conducted two Sandy River cleanups, and continued its monthly fish-alongs, plunk-alongs, and social gatherings at locations throughout the community. Its annual auction dinner raised significant funds for chapter projects, while members also supported multiple Camp Angelos Kids with Cancer events.
Tualatin Valley Chapter
The Tualatin Valley Chapter reported continued membership growth, including an increase in sustaining members from 10 to 18, along with growth in general membership. The chapter contributed volunteer support to 22 events and continued its involvement with the Fish Eggs to Fry program. Other highlights included a successful Springer Derby with 15 captains and 42 anglers, fishing events in Eastern Oregon, the chapter’s first Steelhead 101 class, and a successful group trip to Tillamook.
Building for the Future
The Board also discussed several opportunities to expand the Association’s impact.
Jack Morby shared the history of the Take a Soldier Fishing program, which began in 2010 with 25 participants and has grown to more than 200 veterans from Oregon and Washington. Jack is seeking assistance in transitioning the successful program under the Association’s leadership.
Kody Osborne of the National Wildlife Federation discussed opportunities for ANWS to strengthen our role as a grassroots conservation organization in NWF’s affiliate network.
Government Affairs Chair Bob Oleson provided an update on legislative activity, hatchery funding, and the importance of building stronger partnerships with allied hunting and fishing organizations. Hatchery funding will remain a major priority, particularly as the Association responds to significant changes in federal funding for hatchery programs.
Board President Jeff Hernandez presented the concept of strengthening the Association’s chapters through a new Chapter Mentorship Program, pairing established chapters with chapters looking for additional support. The Board also discussed lessons learned from the effort to establish a Bend chapter and the importance of having strong local leadership in place before launching a new chapter.
Looking Ahead
ANWS Executive Director James Adkins outlined a focused growth strategy building on the success of the past year. The Association will expand Learn to Fish events, public access projects, and advocacy campaigns. The vision also calls for launching a women’s fishing program and expand events that grow and educate the angling community, serve veterans, and restore fish and habitat. On the advocacy side, James identified several opportunities for more formal campaigns, including Columbia and Snake River restoration, Willamette River restoration, public access and navigability, Oregon’s hatchery system, and potential changes to the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
From new anglers and youth fishing programs to habitat protection, hatchery advocacy, public access, and veteran outreach, the past year demonstrated what is possible when Steelheaders across the region work together. The Association enters the coming year with strong chapters, dedicated volunteers, growing membership, and an ambitious vision for the future.
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