Sandy River Workgroup

Sandy River Ambassador

Jeff Hernandez is our Deschutes River Ambassador. Brad was born and raised in Baker, OR where he spent his days on the surrounding local rivers and high mountain lakes chasing fish with family and friends. "Leaving something better than you found it" has always helped guide him.

Species

  • Spring and Fall Chinook (threatened)
  • Summer and Winter Steelhead (threatened)
  • Coho (threatened)

 

Overview

The Sandy River is a pristine and productive wild fish stronghold, flowing 56 miles from Mount Hood’s glaciers through steep canyons and lush forests to join the Columbia near Troutdale. Renowned for its robust runs of wild winter steelhead, spring and fall chinook, and summer steelhead, the river draws dedicated anglers to its boulder-strewn runs, deep pools, and fly-water glides from Cedar Creek to the mouth. The 2007 removal of Marmot Dam, championed by ANWS, opened seven miles of prime upper-river habitat and restored natural sediment flow and spawning grounds while enhancing selective harvest opportunities. From winter bank fishing at Oxbow Park to summer drift-boat floats through the gorge, the Sandy sustains a passionate steelhead culture and vital ESA-listed salmon recovery, its clear waters and scenic beauty anchoring Oregon’s angling heritage. The Sandy River is served primarily by our Sandy River Chapter.

 

Our Accomplishments

  • 1999: Steelheaders signed the Marmot Dam Removal Agreement.
  • 2007: Helped open 7 miles of Sandy River above the old Marmot Dam site for selective harvest.

 

Goals

Our new Sandy River Ambassador is establishing our goals for the future of the Sandy River, to be posted here.

 

Threats and Challenges

Our new Sandy River Ambassador is tracking threats and challenges to the Sandy River, to be posted here.

Photos courtesy of Gary Halvorson, Oregon State Archives