Are there any wild steelhead left? Yes, there is no doubt. But it is up to us to ensure their future and the fisheries they provide.

In California, Idaho, Oregon, Science Friday, Steelhead Files, Washington by Nick Chambers

A topic that is commonly raised in the steelhead conservation world is whether there are any “pure” wild steelhead left.   Before I answer, I want to take a step back first. There are two types of hatcheries. We have integrated hatcheries, where fish used for broodstock are taken from the same population in which they are planted. These are …

Suction dredging in your backyard

In Oregon by Shauna Sherard

This week, anglers will gather for a hearing on House Bill 2467. If passed, this legislation will bring some much needed reform to rules (or lack thereof) regulating suction dredging in the state of Washington. [Show your support for HB 2467 by attending the hearing: House Hearing Room B at the John L. O’Brien Building Olympia, WA. Time: 8a.m. Or, tell the House Agriculture and …

The case for a portfolio of wild-only and hatchery steelhead rivers in Puget Sound

In Washington by Nick Chambers

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.   …

Steelhead Angler Science

In Oregon, Steelhead Files, Washington by steelheaders

  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

In California by steelheaders

 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

In Washington by Shauna Sherard

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

In Washington by steelheaders

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

In Alaska, Live Action Alerts, Science Friday by steelheaders

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

In Oregon by steelheaders

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 …