Angling

Continuing a Tradition

As anglers, we have an obligation to be stewards of the resources we pursue. This is not a new idea. In fact, fishery conservation originated with some of the most famous American anglers —Theodore Roosevelt and Aldo Leopold. Recreational fishing draws a community, which allows the Northwest Steelheaders to focus on cross-generational cooperation and building an education platform for the next generation of conservation-driven anglers.

Our Programs

See our events calendar to plan your next angling adventure with Northwest Steelheaders


Clinics

Northwest Steelheaders offers clinics for all skill levels and ages, from the basics of casting a line for to specific fly-tying techniques for the more seasoned anglers. Our clinics are conducted by experts and member guides in conjunction with chapter meetings, or conducted in two parts with classroom instruction followed by streamside training. We also do joint clinics with Oregon’s Department of Fish and Wildlife. Clinics are open to the public.

Fish-a-longs

Our leaders and volunteers get groups of new anglers together for day-long or weekend-long fishing trips to share knowledge, get to know each other, and fish, of course! Fish-a-longs are open to the public.

Open Seat Program

At Northwest Steelheaders, we're committed to getting you involved in events and activities with our chapters so you can learn to fish and contribute to our tradition of watershed conservation.

Many of our members have been anglers for their entire lives, and they're eager to share their knowledge, passion, and most importantly, space on their boats! We have just recently launched our Open Seat Program, which matches eager new anglers looking for guidance, community, and a spot on a fishing boat with our experienced members who have an open seat on an upcoming fishing trip. You must become a member to participate in the Open Seat Program.

If you have an open seat on your boat, email office@anws.org with the details of your trip and a coordinator will post it on our Events Calendar. If you are looking for an open seat, search the calendar with the keywords "open seat program," then contact anglers directly!

Fishing with Veterans

Our chapters honor our veterans by holding annual day-long and weekend-long fishing events. Spending time outdoors and learning the love of the tug has shown to be therapeutic for our participants. Events for veterans are veterans only, membership not required.

Tournaments

Salmon Quest is a fishing competition held in the Willamette River or Columbia River each spring to raise funds for policy work in fish conservation and habitat restoration. Expert-guided teams of two compete for prizes and awards, and gather for a banquet.

Salmon Hawg Open Tournament (SHOT) is a fishing competition held in the Tillamook area each autumn to raise funds for North Coast fisheries restoration. Self-guided teams of three compete for two days for prizes and awards, which are presented to the first, second, and third-place teams, as well as the biggest Chinook Salmon catch.