Oregon Legislative Recap: Conservation Progress in a Challenging Session
April 2, 2026
Washington State Advocacy Update: Defending Hatcheries, Science-Based Management, and Angler Opportunity
April 12, 2026
Tualatin Valley Chapter’s Tillamook Fish-Along Delivers Hands-On Steelhead Success
The Association of Northwest Steelheaders Tualatin Valley Chapter annual Tillamook Fish-Along once again delivered a memorable weekend of camaraderie, learning, and time on the water—exactly what the event is designed to do.
Held March 20–22 at the Tillamook County Fairgrounds 4-H dorms, the Fish-Along also serves as the perfect next step for graduates of the Steelhead 101 clinic, taking the skills learned in the classroom and applying them in a supportive, real-world fishing environment alongside experienced members. This year’s event was rescheduled due to weather, but that ultimately worked to the group’s advantage.
With 17 participants—including six drift boat captains—everyone who wanted time on the water had ample opportunity. In fact, all participants were able to get out in a boat both Saturday and Sunday, maximizing learning opportunities and time spent chasing coastal steelhead. Even better, the group was treated to cooperative conditions, with no rain throughout the weekend.
Friday evening kicked off with valuable educational sessions. Guide David Johnson shared professional insights on effective bobber, plug, and bead fishing techniques. Attendees also heard from the Port of Tillamook Bay, which provided updates on the Tillamook jetty extension project as well as important context around ongoing challenges with bar crossings—critical knowledge for anglers fishing the North Coast.
A total of nine steelhead were landed over the course of the weekend, more importantly, participants gained hands-on experience reading water, refining techniques, and building confidence—key ingredients for future success on the river. Multiple Steelhead 101 students caught their first steelhead, using their own rigging and skills learned from the class. Another highlight was contributing one of the wild fish caught to the ODFW broodstock program, which involves collecting wild adult fish and incorporating their eggs or milt into local hatchery programs to ensure genetic diversity.
Off the water, the event continued to shine as a social gathering. Shared meals and conversations are a cornerstone of the Fish-Along experience, and Derek Larsen elevated the weekend with outstanding breakfasts and a crowd-favorite taco dinner on Saturday night. These moments of connection are just as important as time spent fishing, helping to build the strong sense of community that defines the Steelheaders.
The Tillamook Fish-Along remains one of the Tualatin Valley Chapter’s most effective and enjoyable ways to bridge the gap between learning and doing. For Steelhead 101 graduates and seasoned anglers alike, it’s an opportunity to connect, improve, and share in the pursuit of chrome in a welcoming, low-pressure environment.
We look forward to seeing even more members on the water at next year’s Fish-Along.
If you’re looking for more opportunities to learn new fishing skills or get engaged with the Steelheaders community, make sure you check out the events calendar!
