February 2015 Newsletter

Transcription

OUR MISSION: RESTORING FISH POPULATIONS TO HISTORIC LEVELS
STEPPIN’
OUT
The Florence Salmon & Trout Enhancement Program Newsletter
Great Return of Steelhead
To Whittaker Creek Trap
Based on January returns at the Whittaker Creek trap, the 2015 Winter Steelhead
season is poised to be a very good year for anglers intent on hooking one of these great
winter fish in the Siuslaw basin.
From trap opening to January 29, there were 400 steelhead counted by Salmon and
B ra d Pa r k s removes a healthy
female steelhead
from the trap to
the fish tubes to be
transported to the
Munsel trap site
for the new spawning program. Terry Talbot (left) and
Bob Occhi offer
a s s i s t a n c e. T h e
f i s h a re m o v e d
from the trap to
the ODFW truck
for the trip down
to the Munsel trap.
Trout Enhancement Program volunteers at the trap.
“Many of the fish that are returning are really good-sized three-salt fish,” remarked
club president Ron Caputo. “It is definitely time to get your gear out and find those spots
to hook into these steelhead.”
In comparing January returns in the last four years, there have been more than double
the numbers thus far. In 2012, just 81 steelhead had returned during the month of January;
in 2013, 182 were counted coming through the trap. Last year, slowed by lack of water in
December and January, volunteers had counted just 123 steelhead returning to Whittaker
Creek.
Even though the rains have diminished in the last week, a couple of really good storms
moved the fish upriver, bringing up some beautiful, chrome bright Steelhead.
VISIT THE WEBSITE: www.florencestep.com
FEBRUARY, 2015
February, 2015
Calendar of
Events
January 30-February 1
KEZI Eugene Boat &
Sportsmen’s Show at Lane Events
Center. Dean Hendricks’ presents
at the Big Fish Tank display.
$2 off Bi-Mart coupon (Friday
and Sunday only).
Info: laneeventscenter.org
Wednesday, Feb. 4
“I Caught It; Now What?”
Chef Mark Stephens of Three
Rivers Casino shares tips and
recipes for preparing your Oregon
fish catch to dazzle your friends.
Reports on trap work, spawning
program, hatchery updates and
more in business meeting
preceding the talk.
7 p.m. Public is invited.
Elks Lodge, 12th st., Florence
Thursdays in February
Siuslaw Elementary School
third graders visit the Whittaker
Creek trap site
Wednesday, February 18
Board Meeting, 4 p.m.
Elks’ Lodge, 12th st., Florence
Work Party Schedules
Tuesdays and Thursdays
Saturdays as needed
9 a.m.
Meet at the STEP Shed
Carpool to Whittaker Creek
PAGE 1
FEBRUARY, 2015
I Caught It. Now What Can I Do?
An opportunity to learn new ways to prepare the fish that are caught locally will be
shared at the Wednesday, February 4 meeting of the Florence Salmon and Trout Enhancement Program.
The group meets at 7 p.m. at the Elks’ Lodge in Florence. The public is invited.
Mark Stephens, a longtime chef currently working as lead cook at Three Rivers
Casino, will share some of his techniques
and recipes with the group. Stephens has
worked previously as a cook at 13 Coins
Restaurant in Seattle and at Planet Hollywood.
He plans to bring recipes for different
species caught on the Oregon coast, including salmon, steelhead, trout, rock fish, ling
cod and halibut.
In addition to his work as a chef,
Stephens holds a captain’s license as a tugboat operator. He worked as a chef on boats,
and then obtained his captain’s license, piloting tugboats. He was called back into that profession during the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, working at ground zero to recover
oil by spreading booms
Prior to Stephens’ talk, the club will hold a short business meeting. Reports
on the activities at the Whittaker Trap and other projects will be shared.
Caring for our community also means
caring for the world around us.
STEP
Up
and get
involved
in club
projects
P.O. BOX 1322
Florence, OR 97439
Not for profit tax
TIN #93-1121056
President
Ron Caputo
[email protected]
541-997-4961
Vice President
Rick Samuelson
[email protected]
541-902-1954
Secretary
Open Position
Treasurer
Craig Brandt
[email protected]
208-336-8877
Newsletter Editor
Becky Goehring
[email protected]
541-997-9046
At-Large Directors
Bob Anderson, Bill Hennig, Jim Jordan,
Tim Hansen, Brad Parks
and Skip Rosenbalm
Hatchery Crew
541-997-3558 (on-site phone)
Jack Armer, manager
Ron Caputo, team leader
STEP SHED
Craig Brandt We are proud to offer
our support to STEP.
co o s b ay
f lo re n c e
ro s e bu rg
PAGE 2
FEBRUARY, 2015
Tidbits From the Tackle Box!
Editor’s Note: From time to time, this column will run with ideas, stories, classified ads and items sent to the editor
from the membership. If you want to contribute a tidbit, please send it to Becky at [email protected].
The Ocean Salmon Industry Group (OSIG) will hold its annual pre-planning meeting Thursday, February 26 at the Hallmark
Resort in Newport. The meeting will provide an early look at the 2015 salmon forecasts and develop Oregon preferred recreational and
commercial troll ocean salmon fishing concepts to take forward through the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) regulation
setting process. The meeting is open to all ocean sport fishing anglers and charter operators, commercial troll fishers and any others interested in participating in the development of ocean salmon fishery regulations for the 2015 ocean salmon seasons. Doors open at 9:30
a.m. with presentations beginning at 10 a.m. The day concludes at 3:30 p.m. with a lunch break from 12 to 1 p.m. Agenda and briefing
materials will be posted online at www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/salmon
The massive Pacific Northwest Sportsmen’s Show & Sport Fishing Boat Show returns to the Portland Expo Center February 4-8. Admission is $12 adults, $5 juniors (6-16) or $18 for a two-day pass. There are downloadable coupons, good for $2 off, at the
show’s website, thesportshows.com Seminars are held each day for fishing, hunting, camp cooking, baiting techniques and more. The
show runs from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, a list of seminar topics and directions, visit the website, the sportshows.com
ServPro’s Sportsmen’s & Outdoor Recreation Show happens the first weekend in February in Eugene. Our own Dean Hendricks, of North Country Lures and Flies, will hold several demonstrations at the large fish tank display. The group’s second show will
be held in Roseburg February 13-15 at the Douglas County Fairgrounds Complex. Bi-Mart has $2 off coupon (good Friday and Sunday
only) for both shows. Friday night is Free Senior Night, with seniors 65 and up admitted free from 5-9 p.m., courtesy of Seven Feathers
Resort. For information, go to the website, exposureshows.com
Randy’s Riverview Market
and Deli
on the way to Whittaker and Green Creeks -- Come in and say hi!
Good Food!
Fried Chicken
Pizza
Espresso
Deli
Groceries
Liquor
Fishing Gear!
At the Corner of
Highways 36 & 126
in Mapleton
541-268-4478
PAGE 3
FEBRUARY, 2015
President’s Musings Ron Caputo
Get After Those Great Fighting Fish!
“Steelhead”. It’s one of the best fighting fish, pound for pound, that you'll ever catch. I fished for steelhead for
20 years before I caught my first fish. Mostly because I was using the wrong kind of gear. I caught my first
steelhead on the Salmon River behind the Golf course at The Inn at The Mountain. It fought like trout but it
was much larger and stronger. Since I caught that fish, I have caught several steelhead each year. I have never
really felt them bite my bait. They seem to just show up on the end of my line. Then the fight begins. They jump.
They shake their head. They make long runs. If they turn sideways in the current you usually lose them. It's human against fish, if you have tight knots, strong arms, and smart fishing skills you will probably win. When I moved here 20 years, I had to learn how to fish for steelhead in the Siuslaw. I went fishing with several guides and I joined
the Florence STEP club. I fished from drift boats on Lake Creek and the Siuslaw. I fished from shore from tidewater to Whittaker
Creek without much success. I fished Lake Creek from the shore from Swisshome to Greenleaf creek with good success. There is lots of
good bank access for fishing on Lake Creek. Don’t forget to fish at the mouth of Green Creek; we are putting 5,000 Steelhead smolts
there every year. Those fish wait in Lake Creek for high water so they can go on up and spawn.
After fishing for Steelhead for 20 years, here's some of the things I learned:
1. Early in the season (November and December) fish the lower Main River above tidewater. Drift fish or Plunk lures or bait.
2. January fish the mid river and Lake Creek from the shore or drift boat. Side drift eggs or sand shrimp.
3. February & March continue to fish Lake Creek and the upper Siuslaw. Throw plugs, spinners, or side drift bait.
4. Remember that the stretch from Whittaker Creek to Wildcat Creek is open until April 15th. It’s your last chance so throw
everything you got at them.
So far this year a third of the Steelhead we are seeing at the Whittaker trap are large three-salt fish in the 12- 16 pound range, so
when you are fishing tie good knots and check your drag often. You could catch your largest Steelhead of all this year. Last week we
measured a giant fin-clipped Steelhead that was caught from the bank below Whittaker Creek. According to our chart it was 19 pounds.
We are seeing some fish coming into our traps with hooks in their mouths, If you want your favorite lure back it’s in a bucket somewhere in the STEP shed. Last year most of the fish in our traps were in the 6-10 pound range which is typical of hatchery steelhead. The
largest fin clipped Steelhead that I have caught was 14 pounds. I caught it fishing with Tom VanderPlaat on the Wilson River as part of
the 2011 STEP Conference fishing trips. The next rain storm will be another wave of fish. Get out there and get your share of these
mighty fighting fish.
Ada Grange #570
BINGO! Jay & Cindy Cable
75 Harbor St., Ste. 100
Florence, OR 97439
It’s Here!
Bridgeport Wine Shop!
havetackle,
bait, tackle,
We
Bait,
food:food
all at the Port boat Launch
at
the
Port
boat
launch
541-997-5091
541-997-5093 fax
[email protected]
Saturday, February 21
Spaghetti Dinner!
Donations are welcomed
Regular menu also will
be available
5:00 p.m. Kitchen Opens
6:00 p.m. BINGO
Questions? Call Nancy
Flatley,
541-997-2380
10 Miles Out Canary Rd.
PAGE 4
FEBRUARY, 2015
New Spawning Program Underway
The new spawning program for the Winter Steelhead Broodstock Program is underway with good results thus far. The program
moves all spawning work to the STEP Shed and its Munsel Trap site, with the exception of some optional, limited spawning for
education purposes at Whittaker Creek.
Steelhead are still counted and moved through Whittaker Creek trap.
Each Tuesday, pairs of fish are transported from Whittaker Creek to the
Munsel Creek trap site and released into the raceway. The number of pairs is
determined by ODFW’s STEP Biologist Christine Clapp.
Twice a month, on Tuesdays, the spawning crew meets at Munsel Creek
to check the fish and spawn out the pairs that are “ripe” and ready to spawn.
Using oxygen in the belly of the female, as shown in the photo at right, helps
release the eggs with less impact on the hen. When spawning is completed,
volunteers help express the oxygen from her cavity before releasing the fish
back into the creek, to return to the Siuslaw River and the Pacific Ocean.
To date, 48 pair of winter steelhead have been transferred to the Munsel
Creek trap and 19 pair have been spawned. That work has accounted for
some 31,000 eggs fertilized and growing in the Florence STEP Hatchery and
another 28,500 eggs in trays at the Alsea Hatchery.
“We have a really good crew, actually three teams, that are working with
the spawning and hatchery work,” noted Ron Caputo, who has been
coordinating the spawning and hatchery efforts, in part to assist Hatchery
Manager Jack Armer. “The teams are in picking eggs, and keeping an eye
each day to make sure that all is running smoothly at the site.”
Spawning work will continue throughout the Winter Steelhead season.
Any volunteers interested in helping out, should come to the STEP Shed on
Tuesdays or contact Caputo at 541-997-4961.
Science Program Needs You!
The Wednesday Science Lab program at Siuslaw Elementary School
needs a few good men and women! Laura Smith, coordinator of the all
volunteer program, is looking for volunteers on Wednesdays. There are two
45-minute sessions at 10:45 a.m. and 11:40 a.m. and three 30 minute sessions:
12:55 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:10 p.m. These are fourth and fifth grade students.
Volunteers must be cleared through the main office and sign in daily at
the Elementary School. For more information, contact Laura Smith at
[email protected]
Volunteer work crews meet every two weeks at the
Munsel Creek trap site to spawn adult steelhead that
are “ripe” and ready. The fish are moved down from
Whittaker each Tuesday, into the raceway pen. Once
spawned, the fish are released to return to the Sius-
HART FINANCIAL SERVICES
Jimmie L. Hart, EA, LTC
Income Tax Consulting & Preparation -- E-Filing
Accounting & Bookkeeping Services
1845 Hwy. 126--Florence
541-902-9109
PAGE 5
FEBRUARY, 2015
Turn in Your Tags, Win a Prize
SALEM, Ore. – Anglers who turn in their 2014 combined angling
tag and/or hatchery harvest tag before May 15, 2015 could win one of
over 100 outdoor products or gift cards from Bi-Mart.
The prize drawing will be held on June 5, 2015.
ODFW is sponsoring the promotion to try to increase the number
of returned tags. Currently, the department estimates, only about 20
percent of anglers return their combined tags, which are required to
fish for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon and Pacific halibut. “We get a lot of
important har vest information from har vest tags,” said John
Seabourne, operations manager for the ODFW Fish Division.
The information is used to determine harvest rates and effort rates
in Oregon’s salmon, steelhead, sturgeon and halibut fisheries. The information is also posted on the ODFW website where anglers can
check the harvest rates in their favorite water bodies.
Anglers who return their tags by the May 16 deadline will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win prizes that include Bi-Mart
gift cards and Okuma rod and reel combos.
Completed tags can be returned in person to any ODFW office or
license agent. Anglers many also mail their tags to ODFW Tag Returns, 4034 Fairview Industrial Dr. SE, Salem, Ore. 97302.
Rogue River Expects
Banner Steelhead Season
River guides and anglers drifting down the middle Rogue River
on January 8 boated seven winter steelhead. That was an early
success, seeming more like a mid-February outing.
That result, and the returns seen at the Cole River Hatchery,
have anglers who fish for winter steelhead anticipating a great
season ahead.
Along with the wild fall chinook salmon, the Rogue Basin’s
winter steelhead run is one of its most robust returns, with fish
widely distributed and stalked by anglers in the main-stem Rogue
and its two major tributaries, the Applegate and Illinois rivers.
Some of the effect of the earlier returns may be due to the
removal in 2009 of Savage Rapids Dam and the demolition of the
Gold Ray Dam a year later, the mainstream Rogue’s two major
impediments.
Downstream, however, the early showings would not be
affected by those dam removals. Late December heavy rains
provided good migration conditions for early-run fish. Some
anglers think there is a relationship between salmon and steelhead
runs.
When the salmon run is down, the steelhead runs are up and
vice versa. Chinook and coho returns were down in 2014 on the
Rogue.
(from Medford Mail Tribune, Mark Freeman)
WITH STEP
Investing in the Future
of our Community!
777 Highway 101, Florence,
OR
PAGE 6
FEBRUARY, 2015
Rainbow Trout Return To The Lakes!
While some anglers are busy stalking the feisty winter steelhead, others are gearing up for the 2015 Rainbow Trout season on the
lakes and lagoons. February marks the beginning of the Rainbow Trout season throughout Oregon as ODFW Stocking Trucks begin to
make their visits to deliver healthy fish to favorite lakes, ponds and streams.
In the Florence area, that means anglers will be heading out to several local spots to try and hook some of the big trophy rainbows
that will be included in the deliveries.
The week of February 9-13 marks the first deliveries to lakes and lagoons in our region. Here is the schedule:
Larger
Trophy
Total Stocking
Count
Water Body
Regular
Alder Lake
1350
36
1386
Buck Lake
850
36
886
Carter Lake
1500
Cleawox
5000
150
5150
Dune Lake
1350
36
1386
Munsel Lake
1000
150
2650
Perkins Lake
200
36
236
Siltcoos Lagoon
850
70
920
1500
1500
Subsequent deliveries will be on March 16, April 6, 13, 20, 27 and May 4, 11 and 18. The final run will be the first week of June at
Cleawox Lake, in time for Free Fishing weekend.
Schedules are subject to change without notice. Check the weekly recreation report for in-season changes at the ODFW website.
To see the complete listing for the 2015 Northwest Region Weekly Trout Stocking Schedule, go to the website:
http://www.dfw.state.or.us/resources/fishing/trout_stocking_schedules/2015/North_Coast_2015.pdf
STEP Sponsors and Friends
Once again, we have created a way for area businesses, residents and
friends to support the work that STEP does and be recognized for donations.
The categories will be Salmon ($100 or more) Steelhead ($50-$99) and Rainbow Trout (up to $49). This is a fantastic way for your friends, who so enjoy
hearing about your adventures with STEP, for businesses that might like to give
a one time donation or those who would like to support the work we do. Taxdeductible. donations should be mailed to STEP, PO BOX 1322, Florence, OR
97439.
SALMON
Rick’s Custom Caps
North Country Lures and Flies
Ginny and Gary Kelley
PAGE 7
FEBRUARY, 2015
STEP PO BOX 1322
Florence OR 97439
PAGE 8

February 2015 Newsletter

Transcription

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