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What is the relationship between freshwater and ocean growth and steelhead life histories in the Situk River

In Alaska, Science Friday, Steelhead Files by Kyle Smith

We are in the heart of winter steelhead season now. Some regions are experiencing poor returns of wild fish this year, while others are faring better. As steelheaders we ride the wave, from good years to bad ones and everything in between.  This week we are back with a Science Friday post on a recent study on wild steelhead in …

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Conservation and Timber Interests Reach Agreement on Changes to Oregon Forest Practices

In Uncategorized by Kyle Smith

Today, Governor Kate Brown announced a historic agreement between conservation groups and timber companies that represents an important first step in a process that will see the most significant update of Oregon’s Forest Practices Act in decades.  This agreement, formalized as a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the timber industry and major conservation groups, should deliver significant benefits for Oregon’s …

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Senator Ron Wyden’s Office Receives More Than 15,000 Nominations for Wild and Scenic Rivers in Oregon

In Oregon by Kyle Smith

U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden today announced he has received more than 15,000 nominations for more than 4,000 miles of rivers and streams in Oregon that enthusiasts believe deserve to be added to the national Wild and Scenic Rivers designation list. TU and Wild Steelheaders United have strongly supported Senator Wyden’s leadership on this legislative effort. Wild and Scenic River designation …

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Science Friday- Just how much diversity can one creek support? Asotin Creek provides an example

In Science Friday, Snake River, Steelhead Files, Washington by Kyle Smith

If only it was as simple as an adipose fin.  The presence of an adipose fin is universally recognized as the mark.  An individual with an adipose fin is, with a few exceptions, considered a wild steelhead.  On the other hand, those marked, clipped, or ad-intact fish, they are the hatchery ones. Although it is but a small mark, the …

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Of chukar and steelhead in the Snake River country

In Idaho, Oregon, Snake River, Steelhead Files, Washington by Kyle Smith

By Michael Gibson Nothing clears the mind like a good chukar hike. So, when the boss called for a work/chukar retreat in lower Snake River Country, I got excited. Late-season chukar in some of the best, and most rugged, chukar country the planet has to offer. About now, you are probably wondering, what’s this got to do with fish?    We’ll get to that.  Our new North Idaho …