What does “fishing opportunity” mean to steelhead anglers? The answer depends on who you ask. For some, opportunity must include the ability to harvest steelhead. But for the majority of anglers, based on our extensive poll of roughly 650 active steelhead anglers, opportunity is defined as being on the water with the chance to catch and release a steelhead. …
The Wild Steelheader Jan 2016
January 19, 2016 Hello, As I write this, we are deep in the heart of winter steelhead season. Snow levels have crept down in elevation and river gauges resemble roller coasters. One thing is now certain: We finally have water. After a summer of lethal river temperatures and wildfires, is it ok to complain about blown-out or frozen rivers? …
Steelhead Angler Science
Sportsmen have a long history of taking it upon themselves to conserve and protect fish and game species. Their conservation programs have greatly contributed to available habitat and enhanced protections of the same. In addition to the critical habitat work that is being done, many people are taking it upon themselves to contribute to scientific research under the guidance …
Russian River Hope
The 4 “H’s” interrupted: An Interlude for Steelhead Conservation By Derek Campbell It’s Winter now and maybe this shouldn’t be a surprise but I’ve got steelhead on my mind. This might be because I’ve been able to take part in several exciting steelhead-focused conservation initiatives this Fall. It may be that it’s just that time of year when steelhead fishing …
Fishing shouldn’t suck
By Gregg Bafundo and Crystal Elliot The bomb-like crater in the side of the creek was the give-away. Suction dredgers. A bucket was overturned on a log, “No dredging this hole,” indicating the pending return of a gold miner. Walking up Scotty Creek with Nils Cowan, a reporter looking into the world of suction dredging, we saw the change – …
An uprising and next steps on the Olympic Peninsula
An uprising and next steps on the OP An angler uprising. That is what we felt over the past few months as momentum began to build towards the Fish and Wildlife Commission (the Commission) meeting this past Friday. And the payoff was a step forward for wild steelhead and the famed Olympic Peninsula (OP) fishery. Several months have now passed …
The Steelhead of The Tongass National Forest
The Steelhead of the Tongass National Forest: A Brief Overview of Habitat, Life Histories, and Management By: Mark Hieronymus, Trout Unlimited Alaska At nearly 17 million acres, the Tongass National Forest in Southeast Alaska is the country’s largest national forest. This complex landscape of western hemlock, Sitka spruce, western red cedar and yellow cedar is part of the world’s largest …
Kitsap Sun letter Steve Burns OP Steelhead
LETTERS: State can help restore salmon stocks 3:22 PM, Dec 9, 2015 58 mins ago opinion | letters to the editor Steve Burns, Poulsbo State can help restore salmon stocks There are times as anglers where we must evaluate our lot — look at our rivers, their habitat and the health of their fish populations, contemplating the opportunity they provide while comparing …
Sean Gallagher on the OP: Remain vigilant. Continue Forward.
Déjà Vu? By Sean Gallagher The wipers strained as sheets of rainwater slammed the windshield. It sounded as if one thousand marbles were bouncing off the roof—we swerved and just missed another puddle. If Larry and I turn around now we have the perfect excuse, I thought. Our destination on this dark, blustery, Saturday morning in November was the …
Wild Steelhead License Plate
Have you ever thought, Oregon has a salmon plate, why not Washington? Well now is your chance to secure the opportunity as a Washingtonian to show your love of Washington’s state fish, the steelhead. WDFW has been working on a plate featuring a wild steelhead, but before this can become a reality they had to reach a minimum of 3500 …