Dear supporter,

There is a lot happening around the Pacific Northwest right now that will impact the angling community. From a new estuary management plan for Yaquina Bay to the North Coast Habitat Conservation Plan that outlines how coastal state lands will be protected for the next 70-years, many of our favorite rivers and streams will be affected in one way or another. 

Anglers hold a stake in these decisions, whether recreational, commercial, or tribal. With that, comes opportunities for us to get involved and have our voices heard. Whether you want to make sure logging impacts on salmon and steelhead are properly considered or that decisions around the Lower Snake River dams take anglers into account, there are avenues for you to speak for yourself and for fish. Learn more about how you can get involved with these processes below.

Thank you all for your continued dedication to angling opportunities,

All of us at Northwest Steelheaders

Take a Soldier Fishing Announces Upcoming Event

Take a Soldier Fishing is pleased to announce they will be holding their event at Hagg Lake on Saturday, June 18 this year.

Please sign up if you're interested in participating. You can sign up as a participant only if you are a veteran, active-duty military, or immediate family, but all are welcome to sign up as a volunteer with or without a boat.

As in previous years, refreshments will be provided in the morning with lunch between 11:30 and 12:45. The door prize drawing will take place at noon. Day fishing licenses will be provided for those who cannot afford one as well as parking passes. Visit Take a Soldier Fishing's website for more information.

Submit Public Comment to Protect the Tillamook Rainforest

Last year, the Oregon Department of Forestry submitted a draft Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) for federal review under the Endangered Species Act. The draft plan would protect roughly half of state lands in the Tillamook Rainforest as conservation areas for 70 years. This balanced approach is a vast improvement over previous and ongoing emphasis on clearcutting valuable habitats. Yet some special interests aim to go backward and increase logging of the Tillamook Rainforest. 

Below is a letter to NOAA fisheries, the federal agency responsible for the stewardship of salmon and steelhead, and for permitting this proposed HCP. 

Can you tell NOAA to protect fish and wildlife on Oregon’s public lands? Support meaningful habitat conservation with co-benefits for clean drinking water, climate stabilization, and outdoor recreation. And tell them to reject any alternatives calling for more clearcutting of the forest.

Watch the Video Series: It's CODE RED for Salmon

Meet Lacey Deweert, a recreational fishing guide in Washington state. But there are very few salmon to fish. Without salmon, Lacey’s business won’t survive. She’s calling on elected leaders to act now: Remove the lower Snake River dams. 

Salmon define a community of recreational enthusiasts and represents an important part of our local economy. But they are on the threshold of extinction. Without salmon, Northwest family traditions and a way of life disappear. We’re approaching a critical moment: Inaction is the ally to extinction. It’s time for Washington’s elected leaders to take action. By working together with elected officials and tribal leaders, we can bring salmon back to abundance, honor the commitments made to Northwest tribes, and maintain our region’s legacy of affordable clean energy and thriving agriculture.

You can be part of a bigger solution. If you live in Washington, take one action today: Remind your elected leaders that we must restore the lower Snake River. Learn more below, and consider taking the pledge.

Chapter Meetings

A few chapters have resumed Monthly Chapter Meetings in-person, and we hope to get everyone meeting as soon as possible! To get more detailed meeting information please visit our Events Calendar. If you're having trouble finding a meeting you can attend, please reach out to us at office@anws.org and we'll help you out. As always, Chapter Meetings are free and open to the public. If you're new to Northwest Steelheaders, attending a meeting is a great first step to getting more involved with your local fishing community. 

Upcoming Meetings

• Emerald Empire Chapter - Wednesday, April 5 @ 7 pm
• Sandy River Chapter - Wednesday, April 6 @ 6:30 pm
• Mid-Valley Chapter - Wednesday, April 6 @ 7 pm
• Columbia River Chapter - Wednesday, April 13 @ 6:30 pm
• Tualatin Valley Chapter - Thursday, April 14 @ 7 pm
• Tom McCall Chapter - Wednesday, April 20 @ 11:30 am
• Salem Chapter - Wednesday, April 20 @ 7 pm