Editors Note: We’re all about sound science here at Wild Steelheaders United. But we’re also about education and respectful dialogue (see credo number 5). Recently we heard from an angler on the topic of setting some rivers aside for wild fish only (as the state of Washington is looking to do with their gene bank proposal). The angler argued that instead …
Wild vs Hatchery in WA: A followup
This week, Trout Unlimited’s John McMillan got a chance to talk steelhead with Seattle’s King 5 network this week. At the top of his list was the debate over wild steelhead and hatchery plants and the proposal that will designate certain rivers in the Puget Sound area as gene banks. Gene banks are rivers managed for wild fish …
Recommend the Skagit, Elwah and Puyallup/White a Steelhead Gene Bank
TAKE ACTION The opportunity to make major progress toward rebuilding abundant, fishable wild steelhead populations does not occur often, but that is precisely the opportunity before us between now and August 13th. During that period the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife will receive public comment on which rivers to designate as “wild steelhead gene banks” – rivers that will …
Our WDFW Gene Bank Testimony
On July 21st in Seattle, Rob Masonis VP of Western Conservation at Trout Unlimited made the following testimony at the WDFW Puget Sound Gene Banks Meeting. We encourage you to use this in information for either your online or your verbal testimony. For more information Go Here “Let me start by applauding the Department for moving forward with WSGB …
The long hot summer: Three ways for anglers to minimize their impact on steelhead
The long hot summer: Three ways for anglers to minimize their impact on steelhead John McMillan It may be universally said that low stream flows and hot water are bad for salmon and steelhead, which is why this year is strikingly painful to experience as angler and scientist. Unquestionably this is the driest early-summer I have experienced in my time …
WDFW Announces Wild Steelhead Gene Bank Meetings
Here is a great opportunity to rebuild and sustain wild steelhead populations in the rivers of Puget Sound. As a supporter of Wild Steelheaders United, we encourage you to speak up. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife will be setting aside some Puget Sound rivers to be managed exclusively for wild steelhead. These rivers — “wild steelhead gene banks” …
The Steelhead Files: Catch and Release
Watch as John McMillan, science director for Trout Unlimited’s Wild Steelhead Initiative walks through the proper technique to catch and release a steelhead, explaining the science behind it as he goes.