steelhead fishing

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THE NORTHWEST STEELHEADER
Volume 28, No. 1
THE NORTHWEST STEELHEADER
is published quarterly by the
Association of Northwest Steelheaders.
Staff
Executive Director Russell Bassett
Office Manager Leslie Hinea
Outreach Coordinator Joyce Sherman
Editorial Board
Russell Bassett, Joe Domenico,
Ian Fergusson, Bill Kremers,
Norm Ritchie, Joyce Sherman,
Tom Smoot, Brian Walter
Design/Production
Advertising Sales
River Graphics
ANWS Officers/Directors
President Joe Domenico
Vice President Bill Kremers
Secretary Jim Zelenka
Treasurer Brannan Hersh
Communications Joyce Sherman
Development Brian Walter
Education Mike Myrick
Government Affairs Norm Ritchie,
Brian Walter
Membership Thom Kaffun
Resources Ian Fergusson
River Rights Art Israelson
Watersheds Doug Hunt
Regional Bill Hedlund,
Tom Smoot
Honorary Directors
Frank Amato, Nick Amato, Bruce Belles,
Jack Glass, Liz Hamilton, Eric Linde,
Hobart Manns, Jim Martin, Buzz Ramsey
Chapter Presidents
Doug Briggs, Carol Clark, Bill Hedlund,
Kevin Hula, Mark Hutchinson,
Keith Hyde, Yancy Lind, Dave Reggiani,
Bill Robbins, Sam Wurdinger,
Jim Zelenka
About the Cover
Buzz Ramsey with a Wilson River
winter steelhead caught on a
Mag Lip 3.5
Winter Issue, 2 0 1 3
4 Better Columbia River Sportfishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Russell Bassett
6 Will Work For Fish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Joe Domenico, Russell Bassett
8 Guide Feature: Oregon River Trails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Joyce Sherman
10 Legislative Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bob Oleson
11 Sandy River Chapter Launches Quarterly Bank Outings
Raffles: Income for Chapters and the Association
12 Fishing with Buzz: Winter Steelhead Success . . . . . . . . . .Buzz Ramsey
14 Review; Raffles
16 Activities, Angling, and Activism
18 Chapter Reports
Sandy River Mouth Opens to Columbia . . . . . . . . . . . . .Doug Briggs
19 Sandy River Chapter Launches New Website
Three Salt Hatchery Steelhead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Doug Briggs
20 Make the Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bob Rees
22 Thirty-One Things to Have in Your Drift Boat . . . . . . . . .Doug Briggs
Chuck Voss Endowment Fund
23 Starting the Year Off Right . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Doug Briggs
Business Members
26 Hall of Fame Auction Donors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bill Hedlund
27 Calender
Volunteer Opportunities
Advertisers
28 Hall of Fame Banquet
30 Reading the Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bill Monroe
31 Chapter Meeting Information
The Association of Northwest Steelheaders
Anglers dedicated to enhancing and protecting fisheries
and their habitats for today and the future.
Visit our website: www.nwsteelheaders.org
Your letters, photos, and articles are welcome and will be printed as
space permits. Please call or e-mail River Graphics, (503) 244-4109
or [email protected], for article specifications.
THE NORTHWEST STEELHEADER is published quarterly by the Association
of Northwest Steelheaders, 6641 SE Lake Road, Milwaukie, OR 97222-2161; (503)
653-4176, [email protected]. Opinions expressed in these pages are those of the
authors, chapters, and committees who submit and/or write material, and may or
may not reflect the views of the Association of Northwest Steelheaders. The editorial board reserves the right to edit all material in the interests of clarity, good taste,
or to meet space requirements. Reprint rights reserved. Please contact the
Association office and the author for permission before reprinting any material.
Distributed free of charge.
Winter 2013 • 3
Better Columbia River Sport Fishing
Governors, Commissioners, Legislators, and Anglers
Work to Remove Gill Nets While Gillnetters Fight for Status Quo
By Russell Bassett, Executive Director
I
f you fish the Columbia River or any
of its many tributaries, you have a
lot to be thankful for this year. In
December, the Oregon Fish & Wildlife
Commission approved the Governor's
directive to move gillnets off of the
mainstem Columbia and to prioritize
mainstem salmon allocation for sport
fisheries. The Washington state
Commission followed suit in January,
and now both states are in the process
of implementing these historic
reforms, which is the start of the
biggest change to Columbia River fisheries in 40 years when the Northwest
Steelheaders succeeded in making
steelhead a game fish via ballot measure.
The Commissions' decision phases
out the use of gillnets in the mainstem
Columbia River and moves allocation
in the mainstem to a sport priority.
Most all Columbia River fisheries,
including spring, fall and summer chinook, change from the current 50-60
percent sport to 70 percent during the
three-year transition period, and 80
percent sport starting in 2017. Based
on modeling done by the agencies, this
will translate into more catch and
longer seasons for Columbia River
anglers. Summer chinook may even go
to 100 percent sport allocation after
the transition.
While the decisions were historic,
the process is far from over. The
favorable Commission votes were only
the first step. Gillnetters are fighting
these changes tooth and nail. As of the
time of writing this article in January,
gillnetters had already filed a lawsuit
to halt implementation of the reforms
in Oregon, and had introduced legislation in Washington in attempt to overturn the Commission decision.
Northwest Steelheaders and our allies
are prepared to take legal action in
defense of the changes.
We also expect the gillnetters to
bring legislation in both states to overturn the new administrative rules.
With favorable Governors in both
states, we believe this legislation will
not get much traction, and
Steelheaders Honorary Director Jack Glass netting a Buoy 10 salmon.
4 • The Northwest Steelheader
Steelheaders, along with other fish
groups, will do everything in our
power to kill these expected bills early
in the process. In addition, the states'
funding of the changes will have to be
approved by the legislatures of both
states, and we expect the opposition
to do a full court press to halt the
process by fighting agency budget
requests.
There are some other changes
that occurred through this administrative process that not every angler
will be happy about, including the
requirement to use barbless hooks on
the Columbia mainstem and a few
select tributaries, reduction of tributary smolt plants to feed the Select
Area Fisheries Enhancement areas
where gillnetters catch the majority
of their fish, and a small permit fee in
Oregon to fund the changes, similar
to what Washington already has in
place. Steelheaders will be working
to ensure shift of smolt releases from
the tributaries does not diminish fishing opportunity in these tribs.
Barbless hooks and the permit fee
are a small price to pay for the outstanding conservation benefits and
increased angling opportunity. We are
pleased that the Commissions didn't
adopt more of the gillnetter wish list
that included allowing a commercial
fishery on steelhead and making massive angling-exclusion zones around
the SAFE areas.
There will be several times this
year where anglers will need to take
action to ensure these historic
changes are successfully implemented.
Every angler who cares about this
fishery is highly encouraged to contact their legislators to voice support
for these long-overdue reforms that
maximize conservation benefits for
wild salmon and increase sportfishing
opportunity.
Check the Steelheaders’ website,
www.nwsteelheaders.org/take-actiongill-nets/ and watch your e-mail for
Action Alerts.
2013 Salmon Quest
April 20
Awards Dinner: Portland Airport Holiday Inn
8439 NE Columbia Blvd., Portland
Join the Northwest Steelheaders for the 2013 Salmon Quest Fishing
tournament. This year begins with a full day of guided spring fishing, and ends with a dinner, silent auction, and awards at the
Portland Airport Holiday Inn.
To join us, fill out the registration form as a team or individual,
enclose the registration fee, and mail to the Northwest Steelheaders.
Angler registration fee is $250 and includes fishing with an outfitted
guide and a ticket for the dinner and award ceremonies.
Proceeds will improve your sport fisheries through:
• Working with ODFW and
watershed biologists on
projects to improve fish
abundance, habitat, and
quality
• Removing or modifying
barriers that degrade coldwater fisheries habitat or
access to quality habitat
• Ensuring Federal and State
legislation,
government
agency, and private concern actions favor fish habitat and sport fisheries
• Projects to enhance sport
fishing opportunity while
protecting wild runs.
Sign up today, as an angler,
guide or sponsor, and help
the Northwest Steelheaders
protect sport fisheries and their habitats while enjoying a great
fishing event.
www.nwsteelheaders.org/salmonquest-registration/
2013 Salmon Quest
Sponsors
Sign me up for the Quest and Dinner ($250)
_________________________________________
Sign my fishing partner up, too ($250)
__________________________________________
Name
Name
_________________________________________
__________________________________________
Address
Address
_________________________________________
__________________________________________
City/State/Zip
City/State/Zip
___________________
____________________
____________________ _____________________
Phone
E-Mail
Phone
E-Mail
We would like to fish with our own guide:
_________________________________________
__________________________
Guide’s Name
Phone
We need ___ additional dinner tickets ($50 ea.)
Total Amount $______ Check encl. VISA MasterCard
__________________________________ ________ __________________________________________
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Signature
Association of Northwest Steelheaders
6641 SE Lake Road, Milwaukie, OR 97222-2161
•
(503) 653-4176
WILL WORK
FOR
FISH
Message from the President and Executive Director:
2012 Year in Review: Steelheaders See Growth and Success
I
t 's never been a better time to be a
Steelheader! What an exciting time
to be a member in one of the Pacific
Northwest's longest-standing fish
groups. Whether you've been involved
for 40 years, four years or four
months, be proud to be a Steelheader.
Looking back on 2012, we see a
year of incredible achievement and
leadership by the Steelheaders to
improve salmon and steelhead runs,
protect their habitats, and enhance
fishing opportunity. Your support
helped the organization's membership
grow by 40 percent over the last two
years, be a more effective voice for fish
and fishing in both Oregon and
Washington, and provide more fun
events, meaningful volunteer opportunities, and membership benefits to
members.
The real (or reel) highlights of
2012 are the fishing experiences you
had with family and friends. That's
why Steelheaders do what we do. Our
Government Affairs Team is in the
trenches with politicians, our chapters
are leading volunteer activities, and
our grassroots organizers are raising
public support, because we love the
sport of angling, care about the fish we
catch, and want to be able to pass that
fishing heritage on to our children and
grandchildren.
Here are a few highlights from
2012 along with a look into 2013 that
showcase how Steelheaders are giving
back to the resource:
Improved Sportfishing and
Conservation in Lower
Columbia River Fisheries
In 2012, the ODFW and WDFW
Commissions made historic votes to
move non-tribal gillnets off the mainstem Columbia River and to prioritize
mainstem fisheries for sport opportunity. The decision is the start of the
biggest change to Columbia River fisheries in the 40 years since Steelheaders
succeeded in making steelhead a game
fish. Many Steelheaders led the charge
through decades of hard work and
6 • The Northwest Steelheader
focused effort over the last six months.
The Commission's decision was historic, but the process is far from over,
and all Steelheaders are encouraged to
take action when called upon at key
times in 2013 to ensure these monumental reforms are fully implemented.
Oregon State Forest
Conservation Areas
In 2012, the Oregon Board of
Forestry made a historic vote to revise
the Forest Land Classification System
to create high value conservation areas
on state forests. This represents a first
in the state of Oregon and means better protection for fish habitat on
revered North Coast salmon and steelhead rivers like the Nehalem, Wilson,
Trask, Kilchis, Salmonberry, and
Miami. Steelheaders led the effort, hiring grassroots organizers in Tillamook
and Clatsop counties to raise a strong
local voice in support of fish habitat.
Protecting the Prey Base
Thanks in part to our “Protect the
Bait” forage fish campaign, the Pacific
Fishery Management Council recently
voted to adopt a Fishery Ecosystem
Plan, which is a historic accomplishment for little fish and the larger fish
that depend upon them. The public
comment period on the FEP will happen in 2013, and you can expect to
hear from the Steelheaders on how to
take action to protect the prey species
that grow our salmon and steelhead in
the ocean.
River Ambassador Program
Last year the Steelheaders hosted
our first-ever RAP event for wounded
warriors on the Deschutes River. The
River Ambassador Program helps
active duty military who recently
returned from a war zone develop
new skills and ways of responding to
the inevitable stress that accompanies
returning to civilian life, helps participants feel respected and valued, and
teaches about preserving wildlife and
natural habitats. Steelheaders are
now doing two RAP events a year,
and, in 2013, we plan to expand the
program by taking wounded warriors
on one-day fishing trips on the
Columbia.
New Chapter
In just a few short months, the
Steelheaders' newest chapter, the
Molalla River Chapter, has grown
from a handful of individuals to a
thriving group. The chapter's youthful
energy has translated into several
activities to enhance the Molalla River,
including spring chinook acclimation,
twice-annual river cleanups, nutrient
enhancement, fish population monitoring, fish-a-longs, and kids' fishing
days.
Expanding into Washington
The Columbia River (Vancouver)
Chapter was started in 2011, and has
grown quickly to more than 100 members. In 2012, we structured the
Association's Board of Directors to
include a Washington Government
Affairs Director, and at the start of this
year, we hired a lobbyist for
Washington to work on Columbia
River issues in the Emerald State.
True Cost of Coal Report
Steelheaders are concerned that
the coal export terminals proposed in
the region pose a direct threat to the
health of Oregon's salmon and steelhead runs. In 2012, in cooperation
with the National Wildlife Federation,
the Steelheaders coauthored a report
outlining the potential negative
impacts to Columbia River salmonids.
Our efforts have borne fruit, as the
Army Corps of Engineers is conduct-
ing Programmatic Environmental
Impact Statements to get concrete scientific answers regarding the impact of
coal dust on the Columbia River
before the proposed projects move forward.
Hatchery Reform
Steelheaders support hatchery
reform while ensuring our hatcheries
are funded and utilized to enhance
sportfishing. Due to recent lawsuits,
our hatcheries are at the most risk they
have ever been. Steelheaders led the
way in 2012 by providing comments
on Hatchery Genetic Management
Plans, and in 2013 we will institute a
legal and public education campaign in
an attempt to get favorable legal rulings.
Connecting Kids and Families
with the Resource
In 2012, Steelheaders was once
again a leader in connecting kids and
families with the outdoors and salmon.
We expanded our involvement in the
Eggs to Fry Program by purchasing
equipment to add schools in Eugene,
and we are reaching the home stretch
of our joint project with ODFW STEP
to create a volunteer guide, videos, and
materials to expand volunteer participation in the program. In addition, the
Steelheaders supported numerous kids'
fishing events, river cleanups, nutrient
enhancement, tree plantings, and other
volunteer activities to engage the
younger generation. We also hosted
two Pre Free Fishing Weekend events
in 2012.
New Merchandise
We are super excited about our all
new merchandise now available online
at the Steelheaders “Shop” webpage.
The new products include hoodies and
long sleeve T-shirts with an original fish
illustration on the back and
“Steelheaders” down the sleeve, short
sleeve T-shirts, polo shirts, “Chrome
Dome” skull caps, and a wide variety of
“50 Years Working for Fish” hats,
including camo, ladies’ pink camo, and
trucker hats. Much of the merchandise
is made in the USA. We also have some
organic cotton selections. Be the first to
own and show your Steelheaders pride
by visiting http://www.nwsteelheaders.org/shop/ or calling 503-653-4176.
Now is not only a great time to be
a Steelheader, but it's also a great time
to get involved. Make your voice and
actions count in 2013 for fish and
fishing! Talk to your legislators, participate in volunteer events, join one
of our many online forums and social
media sites, come to a chapter meeting, and/or attend an event. However
you decide to give back, please do so.
Ask any Steelheader old-timer, and
they will tell you that fishing is more
fun when you know you've done
something to give back to the
resource you enjoy.
Joe Domenico, President
Russell Bassett, Executive Director
Step Up: Become a
Budgeted Life Member
Support the continuing efforts of the Association of Northwest Steelheaders by becoming a Life Member through five equal annual payments of $100 each. All proceeds from this program are put in an endowment fund and invested for the future. You are providing the Association
with a stable membership to add your voice to our efforts to improve
fishing and fish habitat, while adding to the endowment fund to ensure
financial stability.
To become a Budgeted Life Member, fill out a membership form (see
page 31), go to www.nwsteelheaders.org/support/membership/, or contact the Association Office, (503) 653-4176.
Winter 2013 • 7
GUIDE FEATURE :
OREGON RIVER TRAILS
BY JOYCE SHERMAN
B
What a great experience for a young angler! Izaak Drazan landed this Chinook in
last year’s Buoy 10 fishery.
Bill guided Chad Brown, a supporter of the first River Ambassador Program.
8 • The Northwest Steelheader
ill Kremers started Oregon River
Trails because he loved to see people have the thrill of landing fish. Years
later, he still experiences the same rush
of adrenaline when he’s guided them
to their desired quarry. He also loves
to watch the ever-changing scenery
along his favorite rivers.
When Bill started guiding, fishing
was good everywhere...it was easy to
be a guide. He loved being part of
Steelheader chapter trips, being outdoors, watching people, especially
when they landed a fish for the first
time. Thanks to a flexible work schedule, Oregon River Trails was born.
After years of guiding exclusively
out of a drift boat, Bill decided to get
serious, to buy a power boat. Like
most bank or drift boat anglers, he had
moments of envy when others were
able to get to fish that he couldn’t
reach, especially saltwater fishing.
Bill has continued to be active in
Steelheaders. In addition to the Mid
Valley Chapter (formerly Albany), he’s
taken on many Association responsibilities over the years. In 2011, he lobbied for Steelheaders with National
Wildlife Federation in Washington,
D.C. He is currently serving as the
Association’s Vice President.
Bill has donated trips to the annual auction. He’s a volunteer guide for
Salmon Quest. He was a volunteer
guide for the first River Ambassador
Program event last September. He’s
always been quick to offer his skills to
help the organization.
Buoy 10 is a big part of the year
for Oregon River Trails. Other seasons
and rivers are:
Winter steelhead, Alsea and Siletz.
Summer steelhead, South Santiam
and Deschutes.
Spring Chinook, Columbia and
Willamette.
Trout, day trips on the McKenzie,
a beautiful trip in a drift boat.
Catch and release sturgeon when
there’s an open season.
For those who want to introduce
children to fishing, Bill has some good
suggestions. He believes it most important to select a fishery with guaranteed
action. Another way to get children
excited about fishing is to schedule a
trip for salmon to an estuary or just
offshore where you can switch to tossing out some crab pots or bottom fishing if the salmon aren’t being cooperative. Be patient! Let the child play the
fish, even if it means he or she may
lose it—never grab the rod away from
a child!
As much as he loves to fish, Bill
loves to see others land fish even more.
This means that he has an excellent
relaxed attitude that’s great for kids or
people who’ve not done much fishing.
Nothing is worse for someone just getting started than to have a guide who is
so centered on landing fish that the
newbie’s errors are far too serious.
Years ago, Bill invited Marty and
me to fish cutthroat with him on the
Siletz, something that we’d never done
much of. That one day changed the
way we fish coastal rivers because Bill
took the time to show us techniques
that virtually guarantee landing cutts if
they’re present. We became addicted
continued on page 11
Bill with a Deschutes steelhead, taken during a guide’s day off.
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LEGISLATIVE REPORT
B Y B OB O L E S O N
Introduction to Oregon’s 2013 Legislative Session
I
n the fish and wildlife community of the Pacific Northwest
we must do more to prepare for the future effects of a growing human population and increasing pressures on our natural resources and waterways. A related step involves working
more closely with our state legislators as they set the future
policy agenda for state agencies. Many opportunities to
advance on these fronts will occur during the 2013 sessions.
Legislators will soon be officially working on hundreds of
newly proposed laws that could directly impact our interests.
Accordingly, it is essential for public interest organizations like ANWS to work with a wide range of legislators
and lobbyists. The Democrats will now be the majority party
in both houses of the Oregon Legislature and have elevated
a cadre of capable leaders. However, the moderate philosophical balance in our state government is not expected to
change much, due in part to the fact that the senate now
looks more conservative and the Governor seems to be more
independent. Having approximately 20 new legislators serving this session suggests that the legislative branch will be
more free wheeling and experience more hard-to-predict
small battles. Also keep in mind that some major actions
like certain fiscal matters will require votes from both par-
Legislative and Policy Contacts
State Legislative Websites
www.leg.state.or.us/ for Oregon
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/ for Washington
Information about bills and committee hearings.
ANWS Government Affairs Team
Bob Oleson, [email protected], 503-329-9528
Norm Ritchie, 503-807-7729, [email protected]
Carl Burke, [email protected]
(360) 480-5920
Brian Walter, 503-319-6955, [email protected]
Russ Bassett, 503-653-4176, [email protected]
Legislators
To find your state legislator, go to:
www.leg.state.or.us/findlegsltr/ for Oregon
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/districtfinder/ for Washington
Get to know your legislators by attending their Town
Halls, held throughout the year. Sign in so that your legislators know you attended. Send your legislators an email if you didn’t speak or if your topic wasn’t covered.
Agencies:
Roy Elicker, Director, Oregon Dept. of Fish & Wildlife,
3406 Cherry Avenue NE, Salem, OR 97303-4924
Contact the Oregon Commission via e-mail:
[email protected]
Phil Anderson, Director, Washington Dept. of Fish &
Wildlife, 600 Capitol Way N., Olympia, WA 98501
Contact the Washington Commission via e-mail:
[email protected]
10 • The Northwest Steelheader
ties in order to pass. Often the legislators who are most
involved in the natural resource issues are ranking
Republicans. Many of the measures facing our lawmakers
deal with such things as how natural resources are utilized,
direction on fish and wildlife management, watersheds and
the well being of our outdoor environment. For this session
here are a few of the specific potential priorities already on
our radar:
High on the money agenda will be helping Governor
Kitzhaber implement and fund his directive to generally
remove gillnets from the main stem of the lower Columbia
River. Senators Girod and Dingfelder will head up the list of
key legislative players working to finalize this long-awaited
reform. Political bumps and compromises are likely to occur
at the legislature, but we expect the final outcome to be a
positive one. Please take the time to discuss this issue with
your legislators and their more accessible staff-so far this
session only a few lawmakers have told us that this issue is
an important one they will closely follow. Related budget
issues involve maintaining adequate numbers of high quality hatchery fish and providing Oregon anglers with effective
fish management programs. It is also important for us to
identify problems and opportunities as natural resource
agencies like ODFW present their budgets to lawmakers.
The ODFW budget bill (HB 50113) will be one bill to watch
in this arena.
Because our state government will continue to function
in a recessionary mode, once again funding for many purposes will be stretched tightly. In conjunction with the
ODFW budget, several of our organizations will be working
with Representative Krieger and others to support trial programs and activities to further address such problems as fish
predation, targeting cormorants and other such offenders.
ANWS will be consulting closely with Secretary of State
Brown and our state parks department as they work to
establish and fund the first part of a state river users program (via pilot projects) that should eventually benefit all
anglers and future Oregonians (SB 388).
In numerous substantive committees, especially ones
like environment and agriculture, we will initially be monitoring a range of potential priorities. Our role and subsequent progress can be affected by such things as the input of
anglers and the political realities that develop at the Capitol.
As one example, Senator Dingfelder will be working with
us and others to curtail destructive hobby mining practices involving suction dredges in rivers and streams (SB
115). Another related example with growing environmental support is Senator Bates' bill to increase the number of scenic waterways (SB 401). Representatives
Kennemer and Hoyle are the political spearheads on a bill
for ANWS (HB 2697) to increase stream nutrients for fish
by expanding and legalizing the appropriate use of fish
carcasses in streams by fishermen. Representative Witt
(who now chairs a major committee) has been responsive
Oregon River Trails
continued from page 9
to cutthroat fishing! Since then, we’ve
often started out salmon or steelhead
fishing with some cutthroat rods “just
in case” and wound up handing our
bait off to a bank angler or fellow boat
angler so that we can concentrate on
cutthroat. It’s easy to see that Bill’s
casual manner would be a big hit with
people new to fishing.
If you would like to plan a trip
with Oregon River Trails, contact Bill
by phone, 541-754-6411 or 541-6020881, or via e-mail at [email protected]. For more information, check
out the website: oregonrivertrails.com.
Bill guided Sandy River Chapter members during the 2012 Buoy 10 fishery.
2013 Legislature
continued from page 10
to us by agreeing to introduce a bill that will allow good
regulation of woody debris in waterways (HB 2396).
Rep. Holvey is another powerhouse who is working with
us to educate the public while trying to address the
growing problems of GMO "frankenfish," which is being
done via HB 2530. Other important bills will involve
such things as fine tuning state hatchery research operations, reducing stream pollution and agricultural run
offs, improving water quality and overseeing new water
storage proposals, increasing the protection of state
lands and their river banks, maintaining various important government regulatory functions, increasing
unique angling opportunities, etc.
There will also be bills that we need to oppose or
amend as part of our defensive game at the legislature. The
first example is SB 303, which would ban fishing in the
lower half mile of all coastal rivers.
As you can see, it is sure to be a busy legislative session for the ANWS public policy team. We have worked
hard at the state level to further improve our political
relationships. You also need to be part of the equation. As
individuals within your local communities and chapters it
is important to follow key measures that are being pro-
Bill and Russell Bassett in Washington,
D.C. for the 2011 National Wildlife
Federation lobbying effort, where Bill
and Russ met with legislators, representing Steelheaders’ interests.
posed and then take the time to communicate with your
own lawmakers. Please let ANWS government affairs
chair Norm Ritchie or me know when you have comments or suggestions; and we would appreciate receiving
copies or updates on your bill-related communications
with legislators and other public officials. Working
together we can contribute to the positive future of
anglers and everyone else who would benefit from quality outdoor experiences.
What You Can Do
Communicate with your local legislators. Cultivating
political relationships at the local level helps combat the
excessive political contributions and influence marshalled
by certain powerful special interest groups. Educate and
work with legislators from both parties.
Become aware of the issues by checking the
Association’s website, www.nwsteelheaders.org. Go to the
drop-down menu for Conservation to view all of the current topics that may require action from you.
Become involved during the legislative session.
Contact your legislator, be present or testify at hearings for
key bills.
Do what you can to help the environment: become an
educated consumer, drive less, recycle, help with habitat
projects.
Winter 2013 • 11
FISHING
WITH
BUZZ
BY BUZZ RAMSEY
Four Ways to Winter Steelhead Success
T
here is more than one way to
catch the Northwest's premier
winter sport fish, steelhead. Yeah,
I know, it's cold and rainy, maybe
even snowy, but that's what winter
steelhead and those who chase
them thrive on. And while you
likely have a preferred "old faithful" fishing method, you'll likely up
your odds of success by switching
methods until the fish signal their
approval with a tail-walking leap.
Besides rod and reel, all that's
required are a few bobbers (steelhead floats) and a selection of
steelhead jigs.
Side Drifting
The next two methods are
boating techniques that, unless you
have a boat, will require you to go
with a friend or hire a guide. The
first is called Side Drifting and is
similar to the standard drift fishing
method except that your drift is
Drift Fishing
extended the full length of each
If there were ever a classic
hole by the use of a river boat. This
steelhead method, it would be the
more natural presentation is
one called Drift Fishing. Drift fishenhanced by the use of light line,
ing is easy to describe but harder to
small weight, hook, and bait or
master: cast out, across and
bait imitation like a yarn ball or
upstream with enough weight so
size #12 Corky Drifter.
your sinker will bounce the botThe boat is more than simply a
tom as your outfit drifts downcasting platform, since to do this
stream in the current. Your drift is
correctly; its operator must keep
complete when your rig swings
the boat moving at the same speed
near shore, which is when you'll
as the lines. Each angler and their
guide (or friend) must fish in a
need to reel in and cast again.
very coordinated way for this
Drift fishing is a series of casts,
method to be successful. For
drifts, and retrieves.
example, the boat should already
The hardest part once you've
be moving downstream as the
got the drifting down, which has a
angler(s) parallel cast across and
lot to do with using the correct
amount of weight so that your out- This Wilson River winter steelhead was tricked by a upstream from their boat. Then
it's the boat operator's job to keep
fit will skip the bottom every few Maxi Jig.
the craft moving just ahead of or
yards, is learning to detect when a
parallel with, and at the same speed
fish is mouthing your bait. You wouldbait (egg cluster) or egg imitation like a
as, the drifting lines.
n't expect such a light take from a big
Corky or Spin-N-Glo.
fish like a steelhead that averages seven
to 10 pounds and can tip the scale at
Backtrolling Plugs
Bobber 'n Jig
20 or more. But the fact is that this
Another
effective
method
The Bobber 'n Jig method is simifishing method requires an almost
employed from boats is Backtrolling
lar to drift fishing in that you allow
uncanny sense of feel in order to difPlugs. What's unique about this fishing
your offering to drift downstream in
ferentiate a steelhead mouthing your
method is that it produces hard, rodthe river current. The difference is that
bait (or bait imitation) from a tacklebending strikes. To do it your boat
you'll be fishing with your eyes rather
grabbing snag.
should be held mid-river, starting at
than by feel. And while the learning
The rule here is that if your driftthe upstream end of a steelhead drift.
curve can be quicker than with other
ing outfit stops, pauses or hesitates, set
While holding your boat steady in
methods, realize that this technique
the hook—and set it hard. So…pay
the current, free spool your favorite
yields the best results when fishing
close attention, follow your drifting
steelhead plug (like Mag Lip or
slow water, working current edges or
line downstream with your rod tip,
Kwikfish) out 40 to 50 feet and engage
when rivers are low and clear. The
and don't be bashful about setting the
your reel. Now, back off on your rowdepth of the water determines how far
hook if you suspect a bite.
ing or motor speed enough so that
your bobber should be from your jig;
Besides rod, reel, and line, when
your river craft will slowly slip downtry positioning it one-half to threedrift fishing you will need a selection
stream. Strikes will be savage, so hang
quarters of the way to the bottom. An
of pencil weight or slinky style sinkers,
on and get ready to set the hook when
important tip is to make sure your jig
hooks, swivels, leader material, and
your rod tip arches toward the water.
runs horizontal in the water.
12 • The Northwest Steelheader
REVIEW
Aquaz Stockingfoot Waders
A
quaz has been making quality
waders since 1986 and selling
them primarily to the European market. They started manufacturing
waders for a well-known US company
and decided to start selling in the US
market. Last summer, they needed
some help editing their catalog.
“Right,” I thought, “another company trying to be an overnight success.” I soon learned that Aquaz is neither overnight or anything short of a
full-blown success already. This company is serious about keeping people
warm and dry: they are making breathable drysuits for divers for use at the
North and South Pole.
The short story is that Aquaz makes
reliable, comfortable waders at an
attractive price. I ordered the Rogue,
their lightest, least expensive pair, for
stream surveys where lots of backpacking is involved. Although they will produce custom orders for $100 (including
air freight), I was in a hurry and ordered
a standard men’s medium. I have never
had waders that fit so well or were so
comfortable. Period. They also fit nicely into a backpack.
Aquaz makes waders from their top
of the line with a full zip front (Dryzip,
shown at left, $339.99) to the lightest
pair, which I chose (Rogue, $159.99).
The feet are a somewhat stretchy
neoprene; that is, they aren’t made of the
usual heavy stuff that bunches up inside
your boots while you’re walking from
one fishing spot to another or hiking
three miles to reach a survey site. The
feet are able to accommodate a range of
foot sizes. Ordinarily, I have lots of
excess foot to cram into my boots, but
not with the Aquaz. Remember, I did not
order a custom size!
Unfortunately, I haven’t worn my
Aquaz waders enough to confirm that
they last as well as guaranteed; I need
to get out more often! They do have a
three-year guarantee, however. While
the Rogues are made of only three layers, others are made of four or even
five layers.
Aquaz also makes boots and wading
jackets, all with many thoughtful, useful
features. At present, only two shops in
Oregon carry the brand, but more shops
will pick up this great product.
To see and try on a pair, visit River
City Fly Shop, 11429 SW Scholls Ferry
Road, in Beaverton, (503) 579-5176,
or The Hook Fly Shop, Sunriver
Village Mall, Building 23, in Sunriver,
888-230-HOOK. Contact North
American Sales Manager, Jim Teeny
Inc., 800-501-6602.
Joyce Sherman
Raffles:Yakutat Lodge, ClackaCraft Drift Boat
T
here’s still time to buy raffle tickets, or for your chapter to make
some extra money by selling tickets. To
obtain tickets, please call the
Association Office, 503-653-4176.
The North to Alaska trip raffle
features a four night, five day Alaskan
fishing adventure at Yakutat Lodge in
Yakutat, Alaska for two people, 2013
season, airfare included, as Grand
Prize. Retail value is $4,730 for this
trip donated by Yakutat Lodge. Second
prize is a Creek Super Sport Pontoon
Boat valued at $500, donated by
Fisherman’s Marine & Outdoor. Third
prize is a $175 Pendleton Blanket,
donated by the Tom McCall Chapter.
14 • The Northwest Steelheader
Fourth prize is a Lamiglas spinning
rod, and fifth prize is a Steelheaders’
® art print.
The Drift Boat raffle features a
ClackaCraft 16’ Old School High Side
Drift Boat with Gulfstream® bottom,
tunnel hull and tracking channels. This
is a complete package, ready to fish,
complete with trailer, oars, anchor,
rope, rod holders, etc., valued at
$12,055.
Drawing for the trip to Yakutat
Lodge will take place April 24 at Noon
in the Association Office. The drift
boat drawing will be a week later, May
1, again at the Association office at
Noon.
River Ambassador Program
Seeks Tackle Donations
E
very veteran who participates in the River Ambassador Program
is sent home with a rod, reel, line, and tackle, to enable him or
her to continue fishing wherever the journey of life of takes them.
Participants in the first program, which took place in September,
2012, are shown below. Our next RAP event will be May 17-19,
2013, on the Deschutes.
If you have quality used tackle you would be willing to donate
to the program, please contact the Steelheaders at 503-653-4176
or via e-mail at [email protected]. You may also send tackle to
Association of Northwest Steelheaders, 6641 SE Lake Road,
Milwaukie, OR 97222-2161.
Winter 2013 • 15
ACTIVITIES , A NGLING ,
AND
ACTIVISM
The Molalla Steelheaders and
Willamette Falls CCA Chapter
teamed up for a work party at
the Molalla River's new spring
chinook acclimation facility to
get it ready for spring smolts.
The crew prepared the tank for
the liner, replanted native vegetation around the site, and put
gravel around the tank for a
walkway. Russell Bassett Photos.
Molalla River Chapter members Bill Anderson
and Sam Wurdinger plant native vegetation
around the new spring chinook acclimation
facility on the Molalla River January 5. This
chapter, less than a year old, is involved in a
wide range of projects and events.
A trip on the Clackamas River resulted
in this mint bright steelhead for Dan
Drazen, Sandy River Chapter member.
Molalla River Chapter members
Brandon Silence and Bill Anderson
participated in nutrient enrichment
of the Molalla River this Autumn.
16 • The Northwest Steelheader
Len Clarke and George Buckingham of the North Coast Chapter
started using their 2013 licenses and tags in a big way January 1.
Sandy River Chapter member Alex Morrison with an unusual three-salt hatchery steelhead—read about it on page 18 in
the Sandy River Chapter report.
Columbia River Chapter member Kristin Dunn
landed a steelie on Washington’s Humptulips River.
Kristin Dunn photo.
Guide David Johnson was guest speaker for the December North Coast
Chapter meeting.
Winter 2013 • 17
CHAPTER REPORTS
Sandy River
The big event for the Sandy River Chapter is the launch
of our new website, www.sandysteelheaders.org. See the
article, page 19.
January 7, chapter members Larry Palmer, John
Hydorn, and Briggs met
with
ODFW’s
Dave
Stewart to see how well
the work the chapter did
several years ago on Buck
Creek was working. The
chapter will plan a work
party to remove some
accumulated gravels that
have filled in the jump
pool below the culvert
that allows upstream passage to Buck Creek. Otherwise, the
project is still working.
The chapter is in the process of building up the Sandy
River Chapter Stream Team that will take on projects to
come. Becoming a member of the Stream Team will be fun,
and you'll be doing the river and the fish some real good.
On a very sad note, John Williams, owner of Rainbow’s
End, recently lost his battle with cancer. John enjoyed fishing and was always willing to give advice to anyone who
would ask. If you wanted to learn how to tie a jig, he would
take you over the tying table and give you a lesson. He will
be greatly missed.
Doug Briggs,
President
Mid Valley
With the support of funds from the Sport Fisheries
Restoration project, materials were recently purchased to
rebuild the picnic shelter at Adair Pond. The original
seven-year-old shelter was destroyed a few months ago as
a result of suspected vandalism.
Thanks to coordination efforts by Karen Hans and
Marty Smith of ODFW, an enthusiastic group of volunteers
from Northwest Steelheaders was gathered and, on three
separate occasions, turned out in force to accomplish the
construction.
New 6” x 6” uprights were set with concrete in holes
provided by EE Wilson staff using their tractor and auger.
Catching a break in the weather, the volunteer crew
assembled on December 5, bringing their own tools, equipment, and expertise to finish the work.
Many thanks go to Don Wenzel (team leader), and his
able crew including Lon Jackson, George Larson, Dave
Enge, and Marv Antrim.
Don Wenzel
Editor’s Note: The incentive program initiated by the Mid
Valley Chapter is resulting in lots of raffle ticket sales. To
date, they’ve turned in far more ticket stubs than any other
chapter.
Columbia River Chapter Plans Trip for Veterans
By Keith Hyde, Columbia River Chapter President
ast year, the Columbia River Chapter decided to
L
host 40 vets returning from war zones on a daylong fishing trip as the chapter’s first major event. It
New friendships, new experiences for boatmen and anglers. Photo by
Kristin Dunn, Visions Photography.
18 • The Northwest Steelheader
was so successful that the chapter plans to repeat it
this year on March 23.
This year, the chapter will host 20 vets from the
Wounded Veterans Fishing program from JBLM (joint
base Lewis/McCord) plus 20 active duty soldiers currently stationed in the Vancouver area. Ten of them
will be from the Army and 10 from the Air Force.
These people are only here temporarily, far from
home, and they have no easy way to go fishing.
You can see, from the big grins on the faces of
both volunteer boatmen and the guests in the photo at
the left from last year’s trip, that everyone who participates has a great time.
If you’d like to volunteer as a boatman/guide for
this year’s event, please contact Keith Hyde, 360-7720996.
Sandy River Chapter Launches New Website
the Sandy River fish
Ilogonlogocorporating
and the Association tri-state
into rocky shores and deeper
water background, the Sandy River
Chapter has launched a new, more user
friendly website.
Under the tutelage of Past President
John Hydorn, the new website moved
from concept to interactive reality. In
his pre-retirement life, John performed
similar website responsibilities with US
Bank. John was assisted by Victor
Laurence, a developer, and his wife,
Kerin, a graphic designer, both Sandy
River Chapter members.
The web address is www.sandysteelheaders.org. The initial menu includes
Home, News, Events, Articles,
Newsletters and Links. E-mail notice
is sent out to the membership that the
newsletter is uploaded and can be
viewed in full color, on-line, which is
John Hydorn, left, and Victor
Laurence, above, created a great new
website for the Sandy Chapter.
faster and less expensive than printing
and mailing.
The Home drop-down menu includes a tab for About the Chapter, the
Board, Contact and our Privacy
Statement. The News tab expands to
Recent or Archive; you can view
Current, Upcoming and Archive activities from the Events tab.
The Article tab opens up to a group
of articles and the Newsletters in
chronological order by year. The Link
selection provides access to various
links within several groups. The Links
area will expand to include links to
local chapter member guides and other
area specific information.
But, wait, we're not done yet!!!!
Future additions include tackle shop
listings, river level information, and
shuttle service locations and contacts.
The most exciting pending area is a
"Members Only" section that will provide very detailed "My Favorite Fishing
Hole" maps and narratives, special
pricing opportunities from premier
vendors, and invitations to unique
chapter activities, where you are
rewarded for being a member.
Three-Salt Hatchery Steelhead
By Doug Briggs, Sandy River Chapter President
ecember 27, Alex Morrison climbed aboard Ed Fast's
D
three-man, 14' pontoon boat at Revenue Bridge and
floated to Dodge Park on the Sandy River. Regulations on
this stretch of the Sandy River require fishing from the
river or the bank and not from a boat. Most of the float
is through Class 2 water with an occasional Class 3
stretch.
The first half hour is a boat ride until the raft drops
below Cedar Creek and it's possible to get out and start fishing. Fishing from the bank requires observing the law and
staying below the ordinary high water mark, which many
interpret as the vegetation line.
At the hole called the Piling Hole, just north of the end
of Marsh Road, Alex threw out his bait, although the eggs
on his bobber and eggs setup were starting to show wear.
He was fishing eggs cured with Nate's Baits Dry Cure and
had an immediate takedown. The fish was a three-salt fish
pushing 16 pounds, ready and willing to fight. (Turn back
to page 17 to see a photo of Alex’s steelhead.)
Ed indicated that there are a large number of early winter run hatchery three-salt (three years in the ocean) steelhead returning to the Sandy. He attributes these fish to the
broodstock program, which has been suspended by legal
challenges.
Coastal Multi-Species Plan
uest speaker at the January 16
Executive Committee meeting
G
was Tom Stahl, ODFW Assistant
Conservation and Recovery Program
Manager. He discussed progress of
the Coastal Multi-Species Conservation Plan to date.
This plan will affect all species of
fish along the coast, so it is very
important to everyone who fishes
coastal rivers. There will be changes
in numbers of hatchery fish released
and where fish are released. In spite
of a lack of good data, there are proposals for a limited harvest of wild
steelhead. ODFW plans to monitor
wild steelhead on those streams after
harvest has begun. Many anglers
have suggested that there should be
monitoring before harvest is allowed.
All in all, this is a plan that all
anglers should watch as it is developed over the next few months.
Final adoption by the Commission is
planned for sometime in the fall;
there will be opportunities to comment on the plan during the next few
months. If you’re passionate about
coastal species, you should be ready
to comment on the plan.
Winter 2013 • 19
AGAINST
THE
FLOW
B OB R EES
Make the Connection
By Bob Rees
ost steelheaders don't spend their time reminiscing
M
about the fight of their last or largest steelhead; they
remember where they hooked it, what they hooked it on,
and making “first contact” with their silvery prize.
Thankfully, every year is different; we can hone our skills
during the more challenging years and enjoy frequent hookups and fresh fish on our bountiful ones. One thing will
remain important no matter how the fishing is: where did
that fish come from and what did it have to overcome to
succumb to our offering?
No matter if you're fishing a coastal system for winter
steelhead, the Willamette River for spring chinook, or
Tillamook Bay for the big brutes of fall, wild fish play an
integral role in our angling success and opportunity. Even
with the advent of steelhead broodstock programs, we need
wild fish in order to prosecute a successful fishery.
When advocating for wild fish, I've done my best to put
myself in the shoes (or the stream) of wild fish, from an
incubating egg to a returning adult. To understand how
these fish survived the trials and tribulations of nature to
feed our families and our rural communities is really unfathomable. How many eggs had to be laid in the redd in order
for this one to get fertilized? How did this fish survive the
frequent high water events that plague the north coast? How
did this fish escape every predator out there to return as an
adult to this stream that we're fishing? How many of its
brothers and sisters perished to allow this one to survive?
We've been successful advocating for hatcheries in
Salem, adequate flow and spill on the mainstem Columbia,
and the pinnacle of our advocacy recently, a significant management shift for lower Columbia River salmon management. It's been hard, but through persistence and tenacity,
we've achieved great things. In my opinion (for what it's
worth) we've overlooked one very important component of
our sport, the plight of the wild salmon. How do we secure
its future in the light of a burgeoning population in Oregon,
an increased need in our natural resources, and our next
worst enemy, climate change? Anglers need to make the connection: it's the forests that grow the wild fish!
With the fresh water life-cycle requirements of most of
our cold water salmonids, it's no wonder that we don't have
our rivers teeming with wild fish as they once did. Most
anglers were disappointed that they didn't have a crack at a
wild coho this fall; the run was grossly over-predicted.
Remember the days of late October and early November
when Tillamook Bay Fall Chinook fishing was peaking? No
so much this year. How about catching the occasional late
May wild spring chinook on the Trask River in a drift boat?
Those fish were so robust, never even missing a scale! Most
of the depressed wild salmonids on the north coast—coho,
steelhead, cutthroat trout and spring chinook—require at
least some residence time in fresh water during their life
cycles. This is likely one of the major reasons why these populations are in trouble and will never return to pre-European
settlement condition.
Although no one expects a return to those population
levels, we're going to have to work hard to make sure these
populations of fish don't simply "wink-out" (in the words of
20 • The Northwest Steelheader
Streams once never expected to suffer from high temperatures
are now exceeding desirable temperatures. Steelheaders
Resource DirectoIan Fergusson checking a temperature monitor in the Salmonberry River.
my favorite fish biologist, Jim Martin). Did you know the
Wilson River exceeded the seven-day maximum temperature standard 88 days in 2012? The Trask River reached
these lethal temperatures 68 days. That means wild fish witnessed compromised conditions for spawning, rearing and
migration for a significant amount of time during the summer period. Under these stressful conditions, dissolved oxygen levels are low, aquatic insect populations are not abundant, and growth rates are stunted. How would you survive
under these conditions?
The Association of Northwest Steelheaders is a partner
organization with the North Coast State Forest Coalition,
but your voice is needed, too. We're doing stream surveys,
hiking into the famed Salmonberry Falls, and conducting
fishing seminars. Most importantly, we're advocating for
better conditions in which our wild fish can thrive. Join us
and help make a future for the wild salmon, steelhead, and
trout of the North Oregon Coast. Check our website for
upcoming items of interest, www.forestlegacy.org. Make the
connection;
know where your fish come from!
__________________________________________________
Bob Rees is a fishing guide and publisher of The Guide's
Forecast. He also recently joined the effort to protect the
Tillamook and Clatsop State Forests as a field organizer for
the Association. Find out more info about this effort at:
www.forestlegacy.org.
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FEATURING
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Scientific Anglers • Ross
PO Box 1910, Woodland, WA 98674
360-225-9445
Toll-Free Fax: 800-278-1069
[email protected]
www.anglersworkshop.com
Thirty-One Things to Have in Your Drift Boat
By Doug Briggs, Sandy River Chapter President
t seems that drift boats are pretty simple, don’t need all the things that power boats require. Actually, there are a few
Ichecklist:
required items and many more items that you will be glad to have included the one time you really need them. Here’s a
Required
Luxury Items
J Personal Flotation Device, Coast Guard approved (must
be worn by children under the age of 12 in Oregon and
Washington)
J Throwable PFD (boats 16' & longer)
J Whistle or Air Horn
J Aquatic Invasive Species Permit
Necessities
J
J
J
J
J
J
J
J
J
J
J
Extra Oar or a Breakdown Oar
Extra Oar Locks
Spare Drain Plugs
Good Knife
Dry Bag or an Ammo Can
First Aid Kit
A Relief Bucket (Urinal)
Toilet Paper (in a plastic bag)
A Dozen Bungee Cords
100' of Lining Rope
Garbage Bags
J
J
J
J
J
J
J
J
J
J
J
J
Hand Bilge Pump and/or large sponge
Leatherman Type Multi Tool
Spare Anchor or Anchor Basket (Rocks)
Fish Whacker
Five-Gallon Bucket
Sea Anchor (drift sock)
Lighter or Waterproof Matches
Small Folding Shovel (think latrine)
Heater
Small Hand Saw or Bow Saw
Ice Chest and/or Bait Cooler
Electric Motor
J
J
J
J
Cuban Cigars
Flask of Antifreeze (double malted)
Bottle Opener
Folding Chairs
Optional Items
Plagiarized with permission from Salmon & Steelhead Journal's Drift Boat Buyers Guide, Winter 2012.
Sandy River Mouth Opens to Columbia in the Fall
By Doug Briggs, Sandy River Chapter President
uest Speaker for the Sandy River
G
Chapter Membership meeting on
January 2 was Gail Saldana with the
nd
US Army Corps of Engineers. Gail is a
Portland Native, Graduate of PSU,
and a Registered Landscape Architect.
She has been with the Corps for 30
years and is the Project Manager for
this construction project to remove a
dam and excavate a canal out into the
Columbia. The project is called The
Sandy River Delta Restoration
Project.
There are a myriad of owners of
the property impacted by the work,
and arrangements had to satisfy each
stakeholder before the project could
proceed. Some of the entities with a
vested interest include the USFS, BPA,
USACE and Williams Energy.
Sandy River Delta was historically
a wooded, riparian wetland with com22 • The Northwest Steelheader
ponents of ponds, sloughs, bottomland
woodland, oak woodland, prairie, and
low and high elevation floodplain. It
has been greatly altered by past agricultural practices and the Columbia
River hydropower system. Restoration
of historic landscape components is a
primary goal for this land.
The project includes removal of a
small dam placed across the east channel and original path for the Sandy
River into the Columbia. The dam was
constructed in the 1930's and is completely overgrown with vegetation. A
small portion of the dam removal,
removal of the remainder and the
canal excavation will be funded individually by each of the stakeholders,
while the actual construction work will
be supervised by USACE under an 8A
set aside negotiated contract.
The removal work is planned to
start at the dam and work towards the
water, keeping the silt and muddy
water contained within the canal excavation footprint. Spoils from the dam
and the canal will be placed on top of
the canal edge, keeping the cost down
and ownership right intact. The project
schedule restrictions are similar to the
nearby I-84 Bridge work with allowable “in water” activities, designed to
protect fish and fish habitat.
The current delta is shallow, very
broad and contains lots of very loose
sand (“Quick Sand River” was Lewis
and Clark’s designation). Boat access
from the Columbia is often too shallow, with ever changing sand bars, and
is subject to tidal influence. The new
canal will be 8' deep, up to 750' wide
and be a single channel out into the
Columbia. The canal is slated for
opening in late September 2013.
Starting the Year Off Right
By Doug Briggs, Sandy River Chapter President
L
arry Palmer, past Association
President, John Hydorn, past
Sandy River Chapter President, and
Norm Ritchie, Association Oregon
Government Affairs Director, took
advantage of ideal Sandy River water
conditions on Monday, January 7,
and made a pre-dawn launch at the
boat ramp at Dabney State Park. The
park opens at 6:00; they were apparently very early as they had to wait
quite a while to be able to see their
gear and the navigation aids (rocks) in
the river before they could begin their
float to Lewis and Clark Park.
Once the light gathered, they
jumped into Larry's 16' x 52"
ClackaCraft drift boat and hit the
water with their best tackle. John got
an almost immediate “bobber down”
on a dried prawn as they passed
under the Stark Street Bridge along
the eastern edge. The fish was either
a small metalhead, a scavenger, or a
poor hook-up. The fish, needless to
say, threw the hook, ate the offering,
and moved on up river. John thought
it was a small fish because the action
was not that typical of the waterclearing aerial jumps and line-ripping
runs of a tough-fighting species.
Larry and Norm put out plugs just
past the bridge in the infamous “wall
of death” exactly 65 feet off the rod
tip, as indicated by the bobber stop put
on the line. Coincidentally, 65' is the
exact distance from Larry's garage to
the pole in the street. Norm had on a
metallic pink Wiggle Wart with a black
bill.
Norm's rod had a hard strike and
started losing line to a hard-charging
fish. John cleared the rods, while
Larry moved the boat into the slack
water on the west bank, just below
the Riverview Restaurant. While John
and Larry were busy with rods and
tiller, Norm held onto the rod tightly,
keeping pressure on the fish. Norm
was given a spectacular aerial display
by the dime-bright steelhead. One of
the leaps cleared the water by a full
two feet! When the fish calmed down,
they confirmed the lack of an adipose
Norm got it right: your first fish of the year should run like crazy and
be downright spectacular. Doesn’t hurt if it’s extra large, too!
fin, worked it into Larry's net, and
brought it into the boat, where it was
immediately tagged. Photos had to
wait while the three hunted for more
fish ready to strike any of their offerings.
After that great start, they fished
the balance of the float without another fish. Despite some early light showers and weak to calm winds, it was a
great day to be on the water.
Larry and John had an early afternoon meeting with ODFW biologist
Dave Stewart and Chapter President
Doug Briggs at Buck Creek, a Sandy
tributary, so had to be off the water by
1:00. (See the chapter report on page
18 for more about the Sandy Chapter’s
next stream project, which they saw
that afternoon.)
Business Members
These people have business memberships, which means that they are supporting
Northwest Steelheaders on a regular basis by paying $100 annually (instead of a
$30 regular membership). They deserve your support in return.
Swiftwater Resources, LLC, Springfield, Oregon; Doug Caven
Northern Resource Consulting, Inc., Longview, Washington; Brian Perleberg
Rubber Resource, Inc., Portland, Oregon; Robin Olson
Farmers Insurance/Joe Domenico Agency, Milwaukie, Oregon; Joe Domenico
Bob Rees Fishing Guide, Tillamook, Oregon; Bob Rees
Chad Clement, Florence, Oregon
Terry Spooner, Gresham, Oregon
Harbor Ophthalmology, Aberdeen, Washington; Francis Estalilla
Allen Marine Center, Salem, Oregon
Matrix Industries, Beaverton, Oregon; Dennis Hurford
Pro-Cure, Inc., Salem, Oregon; Phil Pirone
State Street Solutions, Lake Oswego, Oregon; George Okulitch
Winter 2013 • 23
E-Newsletter
The Steelhead, the Steelheaders’ enewsletter, is sent out each month to
all members who have provided their
e-mail addresses. If you haven’t given
us your e-mail address, please do so in
order to receive this update of chapter activities, important news, and
photos.
If you receive notices that The
Steelhead is ready to view but haven’t
already checked it out, give it a try the
next time you’re notified that the
newsletter is waiting for you to see it.
You’re really missing out on the latest
news if you do an early release on the
newsletter!
Chapters, send us information
about your meeting for the coming
month before the first so that it can be
included. If you have special events,
please let us know.
NEW!
Steelheader Clothing
Hoodies
(shown above)
Black or Gray, $25
Polo Shirts
(shown at right)
Black, Navy, or White,
$25
T-Shirts
Your Ticket to Great Fishing!
All the amenities you’d expect from
a Bed & Breakfast, nestled in
coastal forest with a half mile of
prime Nestucca River frontage you
can call your own when you stay
with us. Fish one of Oregon’s finest
rivers for steelhead, salmon, and
cutts, hike trails on the property and
the nearby Niagra Falls Creek Trail,
watch wildlife, or just relax.
For information,
visit www.powdercreekranch.com
Contact us:
[email protected]
503-398-5348 or 503-812-5267
24 • The Northwest Steelheader
Logo on Front;
Steelhead Art on Back
Short Sleeve
Black or White, $15
Long Sleeve
with ”Steelheaders”
printed on sleeves
Black, Gray, Navy, or
White, $20
All available in
S, M, L, XL, XXL
Beanies
Black, Gray, Blue, or Green, $15
Hats -
Ball Caps in a wide variety of colors,
including camo, $10
Many selections are Made in the USA
and/or are made of organic cotton
All prices plus shipping
To view all the clothing or to order, go to
www.nwsteelheaders.org/shop/
PREFERRED BY PROFESSIONAL GUIDES
GRANT SCHEELE
Siletz, Alsea,
Nestucca
GLEN HALL/
HAWG QUEST
Anywhere Fish
Swim
SCOTT AMERMAN
STEVE LEONARD
Willamette,
Coastal Streams
Washougal, Kalama,
Cowlitz
16’ Steelhead Deluxe
18’ ClackaMax
16’ Old School High Side
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Run the BIG stuff with
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ClackaCraft:
Tunnel Hull™ • Tracking Channels • Gulfstream™ Bottom
100-Year Warranty against bottom leaks and punctures.
13111 SE Highway 212
Clackamas, OR 97015
clacka.com
(503) 655-9532
2012 Hall of Fame Auction Donors
Support the businesses that support the Steelheaders!
These businesses show that they care about strong fish runs,
fish habitat, and fishing opportunity.
Please patronize them throughout the year.
A Better Catch Guide Service
Amato Publications
Howard Anderson
Anderson's Outdoors
Art Chandler
Aquaz
Arrowhead Golf Course
BC Angling Post
Beach Dog Restaurant
Beaverton Safeway
Benchmade Knife Company
Gary and Kathy Benson
Bi-Mart Corperation
Buck Knives, Inc.
Campbell Salgado Studio
Richard Cassar
Catcher Co.
Ed Chin
Steve Christensen
Christina Deubel
Clackacraft
Clackamas Country Sheriff's Office
D&G Bait
Danielson
Dean's Guide Service
Dick Sagara Outdoor Products
Dick's Sporting Goods
Dinger Jigs
Joe Domenico
Double D Beverages
Dan Drazan
Dr. Slick Co.
Drift Boat Angler
Eagle Claw
Eleanor's Undertow Café
Dave Eng
Ed Fast Guide Service
Fish Nets Guide Service
Fish Tamer Custom Rods
Fly Rod & Reel Magazine
Flying Fish Company
Galice Resort
26 • The Northwest Steelheader
Harvey Marine
Haugen Enterprises
Bill Hedlund
Leslie Hinea
Doug Hunt
Ironwood Pacific Outdoors
Kell's Irish Pub and Restaurant
Korkers
Kreiger Enterprises
Diane Kremers
Lamiglas
Lan Su Chinese Gardens
Lincoln City Glass Center
Yancy Lind
Little Creek Outfitters
Lompoc Brewing
Lucky Eagle Casino
Chad Lynch Guide Service
Jim Martin
Jim Martin's Guide Service
McMenamins
Bill Miller
Judy Munroe
Music Millennium
National Wildlife Federation
Old Mill Marina
Ollie Damon's
OMSI
Oregon Fishing Club
Oregon Historical Society
Oregon River Trails
Orvis
Penhollow Promotions
Portland Spirit
Portland Trail Blazers
Pride of the West
Pro-Cure
Quinault Beach Resort and Casino
Raven Maps and Images
RB Boats
Red's Guide Service
Bob Rees Fishing Guide Service
Norm and Joli Ritchie
River City Fly Shop
River Graphics
River Runner Outfitters
Bill Robins
Steve Rothenbucher Auto & Truck
Royal Wulff Products
Sandy Chapter of the Northwest
Steelheaders
Seasons & Regions Seafood Grill
Shoalwater Bay Casino
Siletz Bay Lodge
Silver Horde Fishing Supplies
Silver Reef Hotel and Casino
Simple Plan Construction
Smokehouse Products LLC
Spirit Mountain Casino
Steve's Guide Service
Stik Itz Fishing Accessories
Sturdi-Bilt
Sun Country Raft Tours
Team Hook-Up Guide Service
Beryl Terry
The Conifer Group
The Party Place
Therapeutic Drift Guide Service
Thom's Guide Service
Tom McCall Chapter of the Northwest
Steelheaders
Tom Posey Co.
Tualatin Valley Chapter of the
Northwest Steelheaders
Visions Photography
Brian Walter
Wanderlust Tours
Western Fishing Adventures
Western Fishing Operations
Wholesale Sports
Willamette Valley Vineyards
Willie Boats
Yakima Bait
CALENDAR
February 6-10 Pacific Northwest Sportsmen’s Show®, Expo Center, Portland
Wednesday-Friday, 11:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.; Saturday, 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.; Sunday, 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
February 16 Quarterly Board Meeting, Chehalem Senior Center, 101 West Foothills Drive, Newberg
March 1-3 Eugene Sportsman’s Show, Lane County Fairgrounds and Convention Center
Friday 12:00-9:00; Saturday 9:00-8:00; Sunday 9:00-3:00
March 20 Ex Com Meeting, Association Office, 6:30 p.m.
March 23 Sandy River Chapter Frostbite Follies, contact Jeff Stoeger, 503-704-7920
April 17 Ex Com Meeting, Association Office, 6:30 p.m.
April 20 Salmon Quest, all day event with awards dinner at the Portland Airport Holiday Inn
Molalla River Cleanup, Feyrer Park, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
April 24 Raffle Drawing, North to Alaska, Association Office, Noon
May 1 Raffle Drawing, ClackaCraft Drift Boat, Association Office, Noon
May 15 Ex Com Meeting, Association Office, 6:30 p.m.
Note: You may participate in meetings via teleconferencing;
check meeting agendas or call the office, 503-653-4176.
To have your chapter’s events included in the calender, provide the date, time, and location
when you are prompted for chapter news prior to each issue.
Volunteer Opportunities
One of the main strengths of the Northwest Steelheaders is the many dedicated
volunteers who make the organization successful. There are many ways to get
involved at both the chapter and Association level. Here are some suggestions for
volunteering:
• Office and clerical support suited to your skills and interests in the Association’s
Milwaukie office. Contact Russell Bassett at 503-653-4176, executivedirector@
anws.org.
• Help count steelhead and their redds and monitor temperatures on the
Salmonberry River during April and May. Contact Ian Fergusson at 503-9578875, [email protected].
• Help organize the 2013 Salmon Quest tournament. Contact Norm Ritchie at
503-807-7729, [email protected].
• Help staff the Steelheaders’ two booths at the Pacific Northwest Sportsmen’s
Show®, Expo Center, Portland, February 6-10.
• Help your local chapter organize river clean-ups, habitat restoration projects,
kids’ fishing events, environmental education activities, fundraisers, and other
events.
• Participate in Association and/or chapter events and work parties.
• Volunteer to become a director or officer for your chapter, or for the
Association.
Support Our
Advertisers
The companies that advertise in The
Northwest Steelheader help support
our mission. They know that their
future sales require more than simply
advertising what they do. By advertising here, they are demonstrating that
they have a huge stake in healthy fisheries. These companies have earned our
support!
Anglers’ Workshop . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Bentley Boat Tops . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
ClackaCraft Drift Boats . . . . . . . .25
Kone Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Lamiglas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Line Keeper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Pavati Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Powder Creek B&B . . . . . . . . . . .24
Salmon Quest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Stearns Lending, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . .9
Yakima Bait . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Yakutat Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Winter 2013 • 27
HALL
OF
FAME BANQUET
The 2012 Annual Hall of
Fame Banquet and Auction
took place November 10 at
the Portland Red Lion
Hotel. Dinner was served
in the banquet room, with
auction items displayed in
a room with a view of
downtown Portland.
See a complete list of
donors on page 26.
ANWS President Joe Domenico presented the Hall of Fame
Celebrity award to Robert O’Loughlin of O’Loughlin Trade
Shows with Joe Brennan assisting.
Ian Fergusson, winner of the President’s award for Volunteer of
the Year, was not present and received his award later.
President Domenico’s Chapter of the Year award was accepted by
Columbia River Chapter members Keith Hyde, Donne Hyde, Carla
DeGrande, Brian Walter, and Kristin Dunn.
28 • The Northwest Steelheader
Dudley Nelson, retired from OSP game enforcement,
received the Hall of Fame Foot Soldier award.
Banquet Sponsors
The Silent Auction offered
a wide selection of things
anglers would love to
have, and there was a
Super Silent area, dubbed
the “Tripapalooza.”
Live auction items were
displayed in the main banquet room.
Proceeds from the 2012
event were 30 percent
more than the previous
year and more than any of
the last five years. Thanks
so much to everyone who
attended, volunteered or
donated to the event.
Left, President Joe
Domenico handing off
the President’s Supporter
of the Year award to
Frank Amato, owner of
Frank Amato
Publications.
Right, Member of the Year
Mike Huddleston of the
Salem Chapter with
emcee Cody Hermann.
The Heads or Tails game proved to be popular with those present.
All photos by Kristin Dunn, Visions Photography
Winter 2013 • 29
READING
THE
WATER
eading the water? Anything but the water. No one
R
needs to read the water anymore. It's all done for
us.
Read the internet.
Read the laptop.
Read the iPad.
Read the Smart Phone.
Read the paper (please!).
Time was, I could predict the level of the North
Fork Nehalem, Wilson, Trask and Necanicum rivers
mostly by where the rainwater collected in our pasture. When it encroached on the backyard fence, I
knew what was out and what might be fishable by
how close to the house the puddle's shoreline was.
I could walk across the street and see the
Clackamas (still can, in fact).
Each of my favorite rivers responded to different
formula, but all were based on such things as that
pasture puddle, plus or minus the color of the
Clackamas, divided by Johnson Creek and, occasionally in a pinch, fine-tuned by the appearance of small
feeders such as Abernathy, Fanno and Clear creeks.
(The Tualatin was never a good indicator…always
muddy.)
Then the Internet blew in, and I not only found
river levels at the click of a button, but also got very
good at predicting the color of the Willamette River
based on its level at Salem.
(We're about a day and a half or so behind Salem,
by the way. Our water begins to get fishable at 12
Salem feet or so—a day and a half later, remember—
and gets really good at nine Salem feet. The harbor is
about three quarters of a day later than Oregon
City…Sellwood half a day, etc.)
I once phoned a friend fishing at Sellwood in the
morning and told him the water would be unfishable
at 3:30 p.m. that day. “Yeah, right…and what's a
good lottery combination?” he shot back. I got a call
at 3:45. He was motoring back into Waverly Marina;
the water blew out from under him at 3:30. “How
did you do that?” he asked incredulously…
Fast-forward to present.
The ‘net at our fingertips; texting and phone-afriend between guides calling each other in to hot
bites; weather reports so accurate we can see the
front approach both physically and on the iPhone
radar image.
Our fancy fish finders not only tell us the depth, but can
now give us an idea of the size of a passing fish. And some
will scan off to one side or the other to see if the fish are
really under that guy's boat after all.
One startup company in Seattle is marketing a
fish-finder-in-a-bobber that can be cast with a rod
from boat or shoreline to help find the good hole.
My hand-held GPS tells me precisely what's
around the next corner on an elk hunt and the one on
my boat takes me safely across the flats from Astoria
to Megler...at low tide.
30 • The Northwest Steelheader
BILL MONROE
Get in trouble? Phone-a-friend, activate an emergency beacon, or use either the boat or hand-held
(waterproof) VHS.
From a guy who wrote a stinging column after
seeing the first cell phone in a fishing boat in the
1980s, I've morphed into one of Pogo's (remember
him?) best lines: “We have met the enemy and he is
us.”
Over the past few weeks out in the field both
hunting and fishing, I've:
1.Communicated with both my brother, in Maua,
Kenya, and sister in Everett, Washington, about the
failing health of our elderly mother and our options
for both visiting and helping our sister care for her.
Using airline websites and Facebook, I even tracked
my brother’s return to Nairobi.
2. Taken phone calls (three or four, I think) from
friends and answered e-mails from others with questions about where to go, what was legal and whether
a rumor was accurate. All required at-hand research
on my smartphone.
3. Frequently looked up current weather and tide
conditions to gauge placement and location of goose
decoys.
4. Conducted financial business through my credit union during all-too-lengthy breaks in the action.
5. Got into a three-way chat with my daughter,
vacationing in Las Vegas, and my granddaughter, who
was sharing a goose blind with me and was on her
own iPhone.
6. Showed a hunting partner real time photos
from a web cam of our new chocolate Lab pup,
whelped in mid-December in a kennel in Creswell
(we'll pick her up shortly after Valentine's Day).
7. Shared fish photos with friends and family at
nearly the same time they were netted.
The list is much longer, of course, since I'm now
tethered to technology by my own psyche and inherent human need to socialize and stay in touch with
others.
But one must wonder…
What would Henry David Thoreau have thought?
Were there really any fish in Walden Pond?
Did he care?
CHAPTERS
West Region
Salem
Regional Director Bill Hedlund, [email protected]
Newberg
Second Tuesday, 7:00 p.m.
Chehalem Senior Center, 101 Foothills Drive, Newberg
Contact President Kevin Hula at 503-781-9378,
[email protected]
Third Tuesday, 7:00 p.m.
City of Keizer Community Center (at City Hall), 930
Chemawa Rd. NE, Keizer
Contact President Jim Zelenka at 503-371-4063,
[email protected]
Columbia River Region
North Coast
Regional Director Tom Smoot, [email protected]
Fourth Thursday, 7:00 p.m.
ODFW Tillamook Office, 4907 3rd St., Tillamook
Contact President Bill Hedlund at 503-815-2737,
[email protected]
Columbia River (Vancouver)
Tualatin Valley
Second Wednesday, 6:30 p.m.
Pied Piper Pizza, 12300 NE Fourth Plain Rd., Vancouver
Contact President Keith Hyde at 360-772-0996,
[email protected]
Second Thursday, 7:00 p.m.
Aloha American Legion Hall, 20325 SW Alexander, Aloha
Contact President Mark Hutchinson at 503-649-1028,
[email protected]
McLoughlin
Central Region
Molalla River
Deschutes Basin
Quarterly meetings; dates set by chapter
Contact President Yancy Lind at 541-788-5514,
[email protected]
Emerald Empire
Second Tuesday, 7:00 p.m.
Denny’s, 15815 SE 82nd Drive, Clackamas
Contact President Carol Clark at 503-522-9613,
[email protected]
Third Thursday, 6:30 p.m.
Farmstead Restaurant, 28313 S. Highway 213, Molalla
Contact President Sam Wurdinger at 503-932-8386,
[email protected]
Sandy River
First Wednesday, 7:00 p.m.
Veterans’ Memorial Building, 1626 Willamette St., Eugene
Contact President Bill Robbins at 541-689-5075,
[email protected]
First Wednesday, 7:00 p.m.
Glenn Otto Park, 1208 Historic Columbia River Hwy.,
Troutdale
Contact President Doug Briggs at 503-729-2023,
[email protected]
Mid-Valley
Tom McCall
First Wednesday, 7:00 p.m.
Albany Senior Citizens Center, 489 Water Ave. NW, Albany
Contact Bill Nyara at 541-401-9559,
[email protected]
Third Wednesday, 11:30 a.m.
Old Spaghetti Factory, 0715 SW Bancroft St., Portland
Contact President Dave Reggiani at 503-657-5379,
[email protected]
Please call the office, 503-653-4176, if you are interested in developing a new chapter.
Winter 2013 • 31