Steelheaders Scott Schroeder and Jason Fornelli with a couple jewels of the Columbia River: spring chinook caught off the bank!! |
Generosity: What It Means to Be a Steelheader |
Message from the President, Fishing Merit Badges and the 2025 Hall of Fame Banquet |
By Jeff Hernandez
Association President
Tualatin Valley Chapter President Appreciation for this amazing community.
The Tualatin Valley Chapter Fish-Along is an annual spring tradition. There is something special about the first night of the Fish-A-Long: The group is showing up, one at a time, each with a loud welcome from those already present. The smell of take and bake pizza is filling the hall where we are meeting, the group is catching up on life and hearing about the latest fishing adventures. This year Bob Rees, local fishing guide, and Robert Bradley, ODFW Fish Biologist, shared details on the local fishery and projected fish runs. As a Steelheader, I am deeply grateful for the guides and professionals who take the time to share their knowledge and information with us.
As the weekend continues, I began to see a theme unfold. Generosity. With the water being blown out Saturday morning and rivers too high to drift, we switched gears and broke into groups to explore the area. Experienced members stepped into mentorship roles to show new folks the ropes. We shared a few spots, made a few casts and a few of our crew showed us how to overcome poor conditions. 4 steelhead were caught our first day out. |
I credit most of what I know about steelhead and salmon fishing to the generous outpouring from others. I see the generosity of the Steelheaders everywhere. Volunteering at the sportsman show in February was a great example. 20 volunteers showed up to recruit new members and build relationships. Amazing. April, May and June are big volunteer months for the Steelheaders. We have multiple veteran focused fishing events scheduled, as well as youth fishing events with partner organizations. Almost every weekend there will be an event where Steelheaders will be helping new anglers get into the sport. I am inspired by how much Steelheaders give.
It wouldn’t be a complete picture without mentioning our Board of Directors, who are all volunteers. With the Oregon & Washington Legislatures in session, the board of directors have been hard at work. Bob Oleson, Vice-President of Government Affairs, is a retired professional lobbyist taking on the near full-time job of tracking legislation, speaking with legislators, and testifying at Committee hearings on policy priorities including angling river rights, healthy rivers and abundant runs of salmon and steelhead.
I am grateful for the board of directors and all the chapter leaders and volunteers. Always giving. Always willing to show up when needed. Thank you. |
Some of you may be wondering why this is all on my mind. The fact of the matter is the Steelheaders have been in a rebuilding period over the last two years, and have still made major achievements relying almost entirely on volunteer power. If we are to have an even greater impact and grow our organization, we will need a few things: We need a paid executive director and in order to do that, we need additional financial resources.
My hope is that members see the value and hard work of the Steelheaders and consider additional donations. One option to consider is becoming a sustaining member. We currently have more than 20 sustaining members since we introduced it in January. Thank you for those that have already taken that step. Secondly, consider what a substantial one-time donation means to you, or including the Steelheaders as part of your planned giving.
I am inspired by the generosity of the Steelheaders when it comes to giving. Without the sheer generosity of our volunteers and donors, we wouldn’t be here as an organization.
Another example of generosity: the Hall of Fame banquet was revived in 2022 led by the willpower and determination of Tualatin Valley chapter member Linda Lavender. I am pleased to announce the 2025 Hall of Fame Banquet is officially scheduled for November 15th and the planning committee is already making arrangements. You can get your tickets here.
Collecting auction items for the Hall of Fame banquet and our other events is a yearlong process and critical to our fundraising efforts. Some people have the gift of solicitation, like long standing member Mike Myrick. Mike has a gift for cultivating great relationships and continues to bring in donations like no one else. Last year I asked a guide to donate a trip if I purchased one myself, so he did. Then I donated the two trips to the Steelheaders auction.
I know many of our members own companies or work for companies that would be glad to give if only asked. Would you be willing to do that? I have friends that own rental properties and have gotten two of them to donate a weekend for the banquet. I hope they know how much I appreciate them and their generosity. To make an Auction donation or to sponsor the banquet please fill out this form, or reach out directly to James Adkins at james@pathfindercommunications.org.
I feel special to be a part of such a great organization. We are growing. We are making a difference, and we are having an impact. I am thankful to be along for the ride and glad to see all the ways the Steelheaders are being generous to our community and to the sport fishing industry.
I hope you’ll read on to hear more about the incredible generosity of the Steelheaders’, and as always don’t hesitate to reach out if anything is on your mind. |
Local Scouts Seeking Fishing Merit Badges With Steelheaders Support |
Steelheaders working with next generation to teach conservation and enjoyment of the outdoors. |
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By Mark W. Hutchinson, PE
Tualatin Valley Chapter A priority of the NW Steelheaders is to pass on our knowledge. This includes working with young people to share our passion for fishing and love for the outdoors, ensuring new anglers understand how the environment works to support fish and other wildlife. Many of our youth related activities are single day events where young anglers can catch their first fish. My personal mission is to look for more opportunities to provide a comprehensive understanding of basic fishing skills so that later in life, young people can independently chase steelhead, salmon, or trout. |
Scouts posing with the day's catch. |
Once such opportunity has been to work with a local Scout troop working on their Fishing merit badges. The Steelheaders have been teaching scouts lifelong fishing skills, including how to tie 5 fishing knots, how to read fishing regulations, how to remove hooks from hands, safety protocols on the water, fishing etiquette, catch and release, how to cast, and how to clean and cook fish.
In March, the scouts working to secure their merit badges embarked on a weekend fishing and crabbing trip to Neatarts Bay, and making camp at Camp Meriweather. The weekend was organized by volunteers from Steelheaders, and the Angler Education Coordinator at ODFW provided licenses for the scouts for the weekend. The first morning we set up at Chamberlain Lake at camp Meriweather just south of Cape Lookout. ODFW loaned out fishing poles and stocked the lake. Thank you to ODFW! The scouts learned to cast spinners, plunk power bait, and catch and clean fish! 16 trout were caught, and only one kid fell in the lake.
In the afternoon, the scheduled 10 to 15 mph wind picked up to 47 mph. Despite some disappointment, the Scouts were all in agreement it was the safest and best choice to cancel the crabbing trip. They are all well on their way to earning their merit badges! |
The scouts and Steelheaders touring the Trask Hatchery. |
In place of crabbing, the group toured the Trask Hatchery. On the tour they learned about the water intake system, the broodstock program, egg hatching equipment, and steelhead rearing pens. The scouts and parents learned how steelhead return to their home waters by smell, how cold clean water is important to prevent diseases and fish mortality, and how the brood stock system works. That night, the scouts prepared their trout the old school way: wrapped in aluminum foil with butter and spices and cooked in a campfire. The volunteers enjoyed clam chowder and salmon caught on earlier adventures cooked on the fire. |
Scouts sharing the day's fish tales around the camp fire. |
Working with young people is important. By working with existing organizations like scouts, we can do what we do best: share our knowledge and passion.
With 90% of the population not fishing in Oregon, it’s important we give these kids a chance to learn to appreciate the opportunities we have here in Oregon. By all accounts, the weekend was as success. Even those who arrived at camp not interested in fishing left with an interest in salmon, steelhead, and how fishing provides an outdoor experience.
I give many thanks to those who made the weekend possible: ODFW Angler Education Coordinator Amanda Boyles, ODFW District Biologist Robert Bradley, ODFW Hatchery Manager Kyle Wilson. The trip could not have been done without Steelheaders volunteers and Tualatin Valley Chapter members Nigel Hearne, Jeff Herandez, Karen Vandehey, and Grant Zadow. |
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You’re invited to the 2025 Hall of Fame Banquet and Auction! |
Mark your calendars for November 15 |
This year, we’re celebrating the 65th birthday of the Association! The Hall of Fame Banquet is our annual opportunity to recognize the amazing work of our members who volunteer their time protecting fish and their habitats for today and tomorrow. We will be showcasing all of the incredible work and accomplishments of our chapters over the years to support salmon and steelhead, and the incredible partnerships we have made along the way.
The auction is also the largest fundraising event the Steelheaders host each year. Funds directly support conservation education, angler education, public access projects, and legislative advocacy efforts. We're looking forward to celebrating with you!
What to expect: - Gourmet meal made from scratch with hosted beer and wine.
- Guest speakers from the Pacific Northwest fishing community.
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Live and silent auctions featuring premier experiences including weekend getaways and professionally guided fishing trips.
- Bucket raffles featuring an array of items like home goods, wine, fishing gear, gift cards to restaurants and sporting event tickets.
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Additional fun and games to win prizes and support the Steelheaders!
Please join us on Saturday November 15th, at our Banquet and Auction event from 6 to 9 P.M. at the Gray Gables Estate in Milwaukie: 3009 SE Chestnut St, Portland, OR 97267.
Note: This year we're using a new system (Auctria) for tickets, registration and auction items. If you're experiencing any issues, please contact James Adkins at james@pathfindercommunications.org |
UPCOMING STEELHEADERS EVENTS |
We encourage member to attend any of these awesome events from around the Steelheaders community. |
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April 25
Salem Chapter Fundraiser to Benefit Salem Free Clinics
5:30 to 8:00 PM at the All Good Things Restaurant 190 Main Street, Aumsville
The Salem Chapter of the Steelheaders in collaboration with North Santiam River Guides Association, Mid-Willamette Valley Anglers Club and the Oregon Coastal Conservation Association are hosting a dinner party to celebrate Steelhead fishing and raise funds for Salem Free Clinics.
We’re pretty good at catching fish and this event will be fun, but we can also do some good for our community by helping others “Catch Better Health.” Salem Free Clinics annually provides 6,500 free appointments to uninsured and underinsured residents in our area. To RSVP, leave a voicemail RSVP at (503) 371-2875, or email phil@SalemFreeClinics.org
May 3rd
Columbia River Parking Lot Sale Fundraiser
9am-3pm at Sportsmen’s Warehouse 11505 NE Fourth Plain Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98662 Do you have gear that you don’t need any more and are looking to sell? Join the Columbia Chapter meeting for the annual parking lot sale at Sportsmen’s Warehouse. We require a $10 donation to the chapter per table, with as many tables as you’d like to set up to sell your fishing/hunting/outdoor related items. The sale open to anyone to join or attend. Reach out to Chapter President Donny Hyde if you have any questions: donhyde88@gmail.com May 28 - 30
Camp Tadmor Outdoor School 2025– volunteers needed Camp Tadmor 43943 McDowell Creek Dr, Lebanon, OR 97355
South Santiam Watershed Council is requesting support from the Mid Valley chapter to help teach new anglers at Camp Tadmor, an annual Outdoor School in Sweet Home. Mid Valley chapter members provide fishing poles, bait, and expertise to teach new anglers to enjoy the sport. Contact Bob Weiler bobweiler51@comcast.net to sign up to join in the fun.
June 7
I'm Hooked Family Fishing Day at Hagg Lake
Bring the whole family for a fun-filled and free day of fishing at Henry Hagg Lake. Community mentors will help guide your child and family in the art of fishing, nature, health, and wellness and instill a love and passion to enjoy for years to come! Register here.
Volunteers needed including boat captains. Contact jeff.hernandezpdx@gmail.com |
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Want to get more involved in the Steelheaders?
Attend your local Chapter meeting. Click here for more details on chapter meeting locations and events.
Upcoming Meetings Mid-Valley Chapter - Wednesday, April 1 @ 7 pm
Emerald Empire Chapter - Thursday, April 3 @ 6:30 pm Sandy River Chapter - Thursday, April 3 @ 7 pm
Columbia River Chapter - Tuesday, April 8 @ 6:30 pm McLoughlin Chapter - Tuesday, April 8 @ 7 pm
Tualatin Valley Chapter - Tuesday, April 8 @ 7 pm Salem Chapter - Tuesday, April 15 @ 7 pm |
ARE YOU A FRED MEYER'S SHOPPER? |
Link your rewards card to support the Northwest Steelheaders.
Once you link your Fred Meyer Shoppers Card to the Steelheaders in the Community Rewards Program, any transactions moving forward will be applied to the program, at no added cost to you.
All you have to do is create or log into your digital Fred Meyer's account and link to the Steelheaders in the Community Rewards Program. Use the button below to get started.
Every time you shop, Freddy's will donate to the Steelheaders. |
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Follow us if you don't already! |
Association of Northwest Steelheaders
P.O. Box 55400
Portland, OR 97238
United States |
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