Part 1; Summer Notes from Salem

By Bob Oleson, Co-President of the Board and volunteer Policy Advocate

Recent activity at the capitol centered around a series of quarterly hearings and briefings, generally known as interim legislative committee days. At the higher levels, the major topics on natural resources and environment included such things as stabilizing wildfire funding, identifying needed changes in state water policies, and how to address the increasing challenges of climate change. In terms of the more routine policymaking level, this fall anglers and outdoor conservationists will begin seeing numerous bill drafts of interest.

In the 2025 legislative session the fishing community can expect specific proposals to target such things as buying out gill-net permits, some consolidation of state hatcheries, efforts to further control  invasive species such as bass in coastal rivers, and Increased monitoring of salmon and steelhead runs. The proposed laws will eventually be considered for official enactment. In the weeks ahead we should initiate contact with our legislators and commissioners to find out what they are hearing and working on. Regarding our chapter activists who are organized and informed on key issues, they can have significant influence on the actions taken by our governments in such places as Salem and Olympia. It is important for all of us anglers to keep following and discussing relevant public policy work.

Fish-A-Long Produces First Steelhead

By Jeff Hernandez, Tualatin Valley Chapter President

A decision had to be made. As I looked at the weather report it didn’t look good. The Wilson river was currently at flood stage. Would it drop in time for our weekend Fish-A-Long? Even if it did, ice and snow were predicted for the weekend. That would make for unsafe driving and cold hands. So, we pulled the trigger and postponed the event. That would take us to March 23rd for a one-day event for most of the folks (a few of our hearty fisherman fished on Sunday the 24th also).

We still were able to round up about 25 anglers to meet down in the Tillamook Bay Area at the Oregon Coast. We had 7 drift boats that fished the Trask, Wilson and Nestucca Rivers and had one crew of three that fished at pre-selected bank fishing locations.

Getting a group like this together for the weekend or even a day is at the heart of what the Steelheaders is all about. Sharing fishing spots, sharing tips, seeing how others do things, getting to know each other, laughing, crying (when you lose that fish at the net), driving down together, etc.

Even though the catching wasn’t red hot, here are a couple highlights. First, we had members from multiple chapters participate. The Mid-Valley, TV and Sandy all had chapter members show up to the event. Secondly, two brand new members that went to the steelhead 101 class put on by the Sandy chapter came to the event. Both of them caught their very first steelhead ever. And one of them was in the crew of 3 that fished from the bank, so let’s give a shout out to the bankies. Lastly, we also enjoyed partnering with ODFW and had one of their fish biologists, Robert Bardley join us and take out some folks in his drift boat. And by the way, they caught 2 of the 3 fish landed on Saturday. I guess it pays to be a local and know your spots.

At the end of the day, all participants that I heard from said they had a great time. Some trips are full of catching and some trips…well, it's just good to be out on the water. To help some new fishermen get into their first steelhead for me is a success. The TV chapter has two main Fish-A-Longs, one in the spring and one in the fall. We also host a Springer tournament that will happen on June 15th of this year. I know other chapters also have Fish-A-Longs and would encourage anyone to get involved and join the fun if you can. Even if no fish are landed, it’s the connections and memories that are made that keep bringing me back.

Sauvie Island Plunking Clinic

By Brian West, Tualatin Valley Chapter Member

In March of this year I helped organize the annual spring chinook plunking clinic on Sauvie Island. We brought out roughly 50 people to the beach. Attendees received breakfast, lunch and everything needed to plunk for the day with a shot at a few raffle prizes. They also discovered the joy of sitting in a camping chair, talking to friends, taking a nap and waiting for that bell to ring. It might sound funny but that's kind of what plunking is.

My discovery of plunking goes back to a Meetup event in 2016. I was new to salmon and steelhead fishing and I found it hard to believe you could just sit on a beach and catch salmon. No boats necessary. It wasn't until the spring of 2017 that I got my first bell ringer and brought home a beautiful springer. Soon this became my favorite technique.

As I become more involved in the Steelheaders I realized the potential this clinic truly had. There's plenty of ways to watch videos on fishing and get involved in politics but the Steelheaders are one of the only groups that will actually take you out fishing. That's what makes us special. Not only that but the clinic brings in new members and raises funds for the organization.

Over the years the clinic has built a partnership with ODFW and received donations from Pro Cure, Okuma and Yakima. We've gotten a mention on Outdoor GPS, The Oregonian and I helped create a video on the ODFW YouTube channel. All of this is my way of giving back to the Steelheaders and to continue to show people my favorite technique.

If you were wondering if we caught any fish, yes we had one on that was lost at the bank. In fact each year we've had a fish on. If you think you could be the lucky bell ringer next year watch out for the 2025 clinic coming next spring.

Salem Steelheaders Volunteer at Learn to Fish Event

By Mike Ferris, Salem Chapter Club Secretary

On Saturday, May 11th, Salem Chapter Member Nigel Hearne and Club Secretary Mike Ferris represented the Salem Steelheaders in the second annual “Learn to Fish Event” held at Keizer Rapids Park by the City of Keizer with four other organizations to help attendees learn more about fishing. Approximately 40 people signed up and visited our “knot tying and rigging” station at the event. The weather was fantastic and participants seemed to appreciate the knowledge and information available to them.

Participants rotated through six stations within the park to learn about fishing knots, rigging, casting, water safety and fish identification. Other agencies and organizations represented included: The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Willamette River Keepers, Marion Soil & Water Conservation District, Marion County Sheriff’s Department and the Keizer Police Department. Many thanks to our Club Treasurer Linda Chezem and Robert Morton for helping to procure some great door prize items which were given away at the conclusion of the event. There were a lot of very happy people who went home with some new fishing rods and tackle as a direct result of their efforts. Thank you Linda and Robert!

2024 NW Steelheaders Hall of Fame Set for Saturday, November 9th

Mark your calendars now! The Hall of Fame will be at the Gray Gables this year. The address, 3009 Chestnut St Portland, OR 97267, is just off McLaughlin Blvd (Hwy 99E) in Milwaukie. They are known for providing a great banquet.

So get this on your schedule now and look for more details - and an early bird registration discount - in the next newsletter!

Fred Meyers to Donate to NW Steelheaders – The Rest is Up to You!

By Norm Ritchie, Co-President of the Board

NW Steelheaders has enjoyed a good relationship with Fred Meyers for years having received grants for specific achievements from the Meyer Memorial Trust, but that does not help cover our overhead expenses. The Fred Meyer Community Rewards Program can help with that, but it requires your help.

Fred Meyer customers with an awards card or an awards account using their phone number enjoy  fuel discounts and grocery discounts not otherwise available. Linking your awards membership to  the Steelheaders does not reduce your customer awards in any way or cost you anything. Fred Meyers will simply donate quarterly to the Steelheaders based on the spending of the awards  members linked to the Steelheaders.

Please, PLEASE, take just a few minutes one time to add Steelheaders to your account:

1. Go to https://www.fredmeyer.com/i/community/community-rewards

2. select “2. Search for your organization here.”

3. It will take you to your log in page.

4. Once logged in it will take you to the Community Awards page where you can select your awards organization.

5. Simply type “Steelheaders” and select.

If you shop at Fred Meyers, but don’t have an awards membership, you can sign up and save some money, while helping the Steelheaders:

1. Rather than signing in, select “Create Account” from the Sign In drop down menu and follow instructions.

2. Use whatever phone number you would use at the store checkout to receive your awards as your “Alt ID”.

3. Once your profile is set up select Community Rewards to type and select Steelheaders.

Thank you for your support.

Chapter Meetings

A few chapters have resumed Monthly Chapter Meetings in-person, and we hope to get everyone meeting as soon as possible! To get more detailed meeting information please visit our Events Calendar. If you're having trouble finding a meeting you can attend, please reach out to us at office@anws.org and we'll help you out. As always, Chapter Meetings are free and open to the public. If you're new to Northwest Steelheaders, attending a meeting is a great first step to getting more involved with your local fishing community. 

Upcoming Meetings

•  Columbia River Chapter - Tuesday, June 11 @ 6:30 pm

•  McLoughlin Chapter - Tuesday, June 11 @ 7 pm

•  Tualatin Valley Chapter - Thursday, June 13 @ 7 pm

•  Salem Chapter - Tuesday, June 18 @ 7 pm

•  Emerald Empire Chapter - Tuesday, June 25 @ 6:30 pm

•  Mid-Valley Chapter - Wednesday, July 3 @ 6 pm

•  Sandy River Chapter - Thursday, July 4 @ 7 pm

If you believe you received this message in error or wish to no longer receive email from us, please (Unsubscribing is not supported in previews).