Angler Science opportunities in Washington

In Science Friday, Washington by Nick Chambers

It is that time of year again where we all get the opportunity to become citizen scientists on the weekend (basically, we get to have fun playing in streams).   I am happy to inform you all that – like last year – TU and Wild Steelheaders United will be conducting steelhead redd surveys in Washington’s Hoh River and sharing …

Oregon’s and California’s Smith River protected from foreign mining interests

In Oregon by Shauna Sherard

20 year mineral withdrawal approved by Interior Photos by Ken Moorish Washington D.C. — Oregon and California’s Smith River got welcome news as the Department of the Interior approved a 20-year mineral withdrawal, protecting the river from proposed strip mining.   In recent years, foreign mining companies have sought to strip mine for nickel in the area, putting at risk …

Suction Dredge Mining Reform Legislation Introduced in Washington State

In Washington by steelheaders

Suction Dredge Mining Reform Legislation Introduced in Washington State Suction dredge mining is a largely recreational use of rivers and creeks, practiced by a small number of enthusiasts throughout the West. The impacts of this activity on fish such as steelhead and salmon, however, can be significant. That’s why Trout Unlimited and Wild Steelheaders United have been working to ensure …

The Wild Steelheader Dec. 2016

In Newsletter: The Wild Steelheader, Oregon by steelheaders

 December 28, 2016 It’s been more than two years since Trout Unlimited’s Wild Steelhead Initiative left the boat ramp. This initiative was born of committed steelhead anglers whose hope for a brighter future for wild steelhead is matched by their stubbornness in fighting for the improvements in habitat and policy required to realize this vision. For too long, steelhead management …

Science Friday: Tillamook Bay Steelhead

In Oregon, Science Friday by Nick Chambers

Do you ever wonder what we might be missing nowadays in terms of steelhead life histories? Although we can’t go back in time to answer this question, we can look at historic data — in this case from Oregon’s Tillamook Bay. By the 1940’s Oregon’s Tillamook Bay was a patchwork of homesteads and farms, appearing more like the present day …

TU comments: Proposed Changes to Listed Salmon and Steelhead Hatchery Programs

In Oregon by Nick Chambers

  December 20, 2016 Chris Yates Assistant Regional Administrator Protected Resources Division NMFS, West Coast Regional Office Attn: Claire McGrath 1201 NE Lloyd Blvd., Suite 1100 Portland, OR 97232 Re: Proposed Changes to Listed Salmon and Steelhead Hatchery Programs . Dear Mr. Yates:   Trout Unlimited (TU), the nation’s largest coldwater fisheries conservation organization dedicated to protecting and restoring our …

Important salmon-producing areas protected in final Tongass National Forest Plan Amendment

In Alaska by Nick Chambers

December 9, 2016 Contact: Mark Hieronymus, Trout Unlimited – Alaska, mark.hieronymus@tu.org, 907-209-9770 Arne Johnson, Bear Creek Outfitters, arne@juneauflyfishing.com, 907-723-3914 PRESS KIT AVAILABLE: including b-roll footage, photos and interview footage at this link. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Important salmon-producing areas protected in final Tongass National Forest Plan Amendment Sportsmen and businesses applaud new direction for country’s largest National Forest. JUNEAU, AK – …

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Time to Take Action on Columbia/Snake River Dams

In Idaho, Live Action Alerts, Oregon, Washington by steelheaders

Take Action The Columbia and Snake Rivers were once prolific producers of wild steelhead and salmon.  It is estimated that the Snake River system alone produced 55 percent of the Columbia Basin’s summer steelhead and 40 percent of its spring/summer Chinook.   But today all Columbia Basin wild steelhead and salmon populations are just a fraction of their historic abundance …

A solid first step

In Washington by Nick Chambers

Wild Steelheaders United praises submission of new steelhead management plan, process of reopening Skagit River for catch-and-release wild steelhead angling   As we head into the Thanksgiving holiday, recent developments in Washington State give wild steelhead anglers and advocates extra reason for being thankful.   The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has prepared a new plan for managing winter/spring …