Tualatin Valley Chapter’s Tillamook Fish-Along Delivers Hands-On Steelhead Success
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Please Join Us in Supporting the Future of the NW Steelheaders
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Washington State Advocacy Update: Defending Hatcheries, Science-Based Management, and Angler Opportunity
By Keith Hyde, Government Affairs Director, Columbia River Chapter
The Association of Northwest Steelheaders continues to stay actively engaged in Washington state policy, working to protect and advance the interests of recreational anglers across the region. From hatchery operations and legislative developments to ongoing concerns at the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission, this session has underscored just how critical strong advocacy remains for the future of salmon and steelhead.
Skamania Hatchery Closure Remains a Top Priority
The proposed closure of the Skamania Hatchery in Washougal has emerged as one of the most pressing issues facing Southwest Washington anglers. The facility produces approximately 331,000 summer and winter steelhead annually, supporting vital recreational fisheries throughout the region.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced plans to close the hatchery following a shortfall in its requested biennial budget. In response, the Association joined a broad coalition—including Addicted Fishing, CCA Washington, Ducks Unlimited, and the Northwest Sportfishing Industry—in urging state leadership to maintain operations given the hatchery’s economic, cultural, and recreational importance. In addition to our coalition letter, letters were sent by Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, the Clark County Board of Commissioners.
Significant support has also come from Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, who testified before the House Appropriations Committee and helped secure Mitchell Act funding for Columbia Basin hatcheries, including an additional $1.5 million for Washington. On April 8, Steelheaders leaders and partners hosted the Congresswoman for an on-site tour of the facility to highlight its value and discuss a path forward.
While this funding represents meaningful progress, the outcome remains uncertain. Steelheaders and coalition partners will continue pressing state decision-makers to ensure these resources are directed toward keeping the Skamania Hatchery operational.
Advancing Sea Lion Management Solutions
Addressing pinniped predation on salmon and steelhead remains a key priority. Through participation on a community advisory committee led by Congresswoman Gluesenkamp Perez, Steelheaders representatives have contributed to developing practical solutions to reduce sea lion impacts in the Columbia River system.
This collaborative effort has already yielded results, with $1.3 million secured through the House Appropriations Committee to support the removal of up to 450 sea lions annually across four tributaries below Bonneville Dam over a four-year period. With planning underway, implementation is anticipated by early 2027. Legislators and regulators will consider this a trial program, and should it prove successful, the program could be funded well into the future.
Sea lion predation has been shown to account for significant losses of returning adult salmon—at times up to 40 percent—making this effort an important step toward improving fish survival and protecting angling opportunity.
Steelhead Broodstock Reform Gains Momentum
The adoption of wild broodstock practices—successfully implemented at most hatcheries in Oregon—remains a long-term goal for Washington hatchery reform. This approach incorporates wild fish genetics into hatchery programs, improving the resilience and performance of returning steelhead.
During the 2025 legislative session, Senator John Braun introduced a bipartisan bill to advance this concept. The proposal received strong public support, including more than 1,500 written comments, and was heard in the Senate Natural Resources Committee.
Although the bill did not advance this session, it represents an encouraging step forward. As with many meaningful policy changes, progress often requires sustained effort over multiple legislative cycles, and Steelheaders will continue advocating for its eventual passage.
Columbia River Endorsement Returns—With Budget Concerns
Beginning January 1, 2026, Washington anglers will once again be required to purchase a Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement to fish for these species in the Columbia River and its tributaries. The annual endorsement fee of $8.75 is intended to directly support recreational fishing opportunities through investments in monitoring, hatchery production, pinniped management, and enforcement. A key priority will be directing these funds toward critical programs, including the continued operation of the Skamania Hatchery.
Additionally, many anglers in Washington will just now be seeing license fee increases passed by the state legislature that went into effect July 1 of 2025. When they go to purchase their new fishing licenses that expired on March 31, 2026, they will see a 38% increase.
However, concerns have emerged following reports that Governor Ferguson’s budget proposal includes a $10 million reduction to WDFW funding, potentially in response to the license fee increase and the reinstated endorsement revenue. Steelheaders and coalition partners strongly oppose this approach and will advocate for maintaining full agency funding while ensuring endorsement dollars are used as intended.
Ongoing Concerns at the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission
The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission continues to face scrutiny amid ongoing governance and transparency concerns. Over the past year, efforts by certain commissioners to shift the agency’s mandate away from science-based management toward preservationist policies have raised alarm among the angling and hunting communities.
These tensions came to a head with the controversial decision to eliminate the state’s spring bear hunt—an action widely criticized for lacking scientific justification. Meanwhile, an independent investigation commissioned by Governor Bob Ferguson in June 2025 is examining potential violations of public transparency laws and alleged coordination between commissioners and outside advocacy groups.
Originally expected last fall, the investigation report is now due April 13 following multiple extensions. Recent developments, including a federal lawsuit alleging retaliation against a commission member, have only intensified concerns about governance and accountability. Steelheaders remain hopeful that the investigation will bring clarity and lead to reforms that restore balance and public trust in the commission’s role.
Recreational Study Connected to Columbia Basin Restoration
The Washington State Legislature’s recent allocation of $600,000 in the 2024–2025 Supplemental Operating Budget (SB 5950) to study recreation and conservation opportunities on the Lower Snake River is an important step around the river’s future. As discussions continue around the potential breaching of the four lower Snake River dams, this study will help identify how fishing access, habitat restoration, and outdoor recreation could be improved or expanded if 140 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for salmon and steelhead were restored. It also builds on prior investments to evaluate how energy, irrigation, and transportation needs can be maintained if changes move forward. Importantly, the Legislature’s approach allows for coordination and cost-sharing with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, aligning state and federal efforts under the broader Columbia and Snake River basin restoration agreement. For anglers, this represents a critical opportunity to advocate for outcomes that both restore salmon and steelhead populations and enhance sustainable fishing opportunities for future generations.
Continuing the Fight for Salmon and Steelhead
While the Association currently maintains one chapter in Washington, the interconnected nature of Columbia River fisheries makes cross-border advocacy essential. Policies in Washington and Oregon directly influence one another, and maintaining a unified voice for recreational anglers is more important than ever.
The Association of Northwest Steelheaders remains committed to defending science-based management, protecting hatchery investments, and expanding fishing opportunity throughout the region. Members are encouraged to stay engaged and reach out with questions as these important issues continue to evolve.
