Salem Chapter Northwest Steelheaders

Newsletter for December 2023

December meeting includes a Holiday Potluck Dinner and presentation by Roger Fletcher

It’s time for our December Holiday potluck dinner meeting which will include a presentation by author Roger Fletcher about is book “Drift Boats & River Dories, Their History, Design, Construction and Use. Following is a little more information about Roger and his book.

Roger Fletcher in his shop and on the oars of a “Doryak,” a boat design inspired by his book

Roger is a 60-year drift boater, drift boat historian, educator, author, craftsman, and accidental fisherman. Concerned that the early drift boats and river dories were being lost to time, he researched their origins, their uses, lines and construction detail, and the people who built and used them. The spawning grounds for these boats, which are now used world-wide, are Oregon’s McKenzie and Rogue Rivers. His resulting book, Drift Boats and River Dories (Stackpole Books, 2007), chronicles the people behind the boats, describes how they are built and presents the lines and construction detail of 10 of the 13 boats he has recovered. Since its publication, people around the globe have, and are, building these boats as fishing platforms and whitewater river runners. His program will be an overview of these unique riverboats through tales, scaled replicas of the original boats and good humor.

Roger also plans to have a few of his books available for sale at a discounted price of $35 (cash or checks accepted) which could make a great Christmas gift for the boating enthusiast in your life.

We look forward to seeing you at our December 19^th meeting. As usual, Bob Johnston is preparing a yummy holiday ham so please remember to bring a side dish, salad or dessert for our potluck dinner.

Reminder Notice for Membership Dues

If you need to pay your annual membership dues, attached is a Membership Form for your convenience. Please return your completed form and dues payment to:

Linda Chezem – Treasurer

663 Rockwood St. SE , Salem, OR. 97306

Please note that the payment amount for annual dues has changed to $40.00 effective February 1, 2023.

Submitted by Mike Ferris

Salem Chapter Secretary ————————————————————————————————-

Salem Chapter Northwest Steelheaders

Newsletter for October 2023

October meeting plans include election of Salem Chapter Officers for 2024

As of press time, there was no program speaker presentation scheduled for our October 17th meeting. That being the case, our meeting will focus on the election of club officers for 2024. There will also be a discussion about the upcoming ANWS Annual “Hall of Fame Banquet” to be held on November 17^th at the Milwaukie Elks Lodge to see how many of our members might be interested in attending. If possible, we are hoping to have a table of 8 at the event.

Fall Coho Salmon are coming up the Willamette River and heading for the Santiams

On October 3^rd, Chapter Secretary Mike Ferris had an opportunity to test the waters of the Willamette River near Meldrum Bar Park with some Fall Coho Salmon fishing. The weather was pleasant and the fishing was pretty good too. With over 19,000 Coho over Willamette Falls at Oregon City so far, these fish are still heading upstream and 464 of them have already passed the fish ladder at Bennett Dam on the North Santiam. At that rate, there should be good opportunities for success when Coho Season opens above Stayton on October 15th.

Adam Grill of Portland and Mike Ferris fishing for Coho Salmon on the Willamette River

Plans are in progress to rehabilitate and re-open Minto Park on Highway 22

Our Salem Chapter is currently in discussions with a representative of Marion County Parks to help improve the trails and fishing areas in Minto Park at a possible volunteer event scheduled for November. Further details will follow at our membership meeting. Please plan to attend.

Reminder Notice for Membership Dues

If you need to pay your annual membership dues, attached is a Membership Form for your convenience. Please return your completed form and dues payment to:

Linda Chezem – Treasurer

663 Rockwood St. SE , Salem, OR. 97306

Please note that the payment amount for annual dues has changed to $40.00 effective February 1, 2023.

P.S. Bob Johnston is looking for a working Handheld CB Radio

if anyone has one available. You may contact him at the

Salem Chapter Secretary meeting or give him a call at: 971-718-2654.

Thank You! Bob J.

————————————————————————————————-Submitted by Mike Ferris

Salem Chapter Northwest Steelheaders
Newsletter for September 2023

Plans for Our September Membership Meeting Include Officer Nominations for 2024

Since our last meeting in June, we hope that you all had an enjoyable and restful July and August despite the heat. With our two-month summer break now behind us, it’s time to get back to business as usual and nominate our Salem Chapter Officers for 2024. Please plan to attend and provide your input for next year’s slate of officers at our meeting on Sept. 19th.

Salem Chapter Members Go Fishing in Alaska
Three of our Salem Chapter Members had an opportunity to go fishing (and catching) in Coffman Cove, Alaska during our summer break. Those participating in all that catching were Rod Ratzlaff, Nigel Hearne and Mike Ferris. A good time was had by all and everyone returned with enough frozen salmon and halibut fillets to last well into next year. The boys from this year’s trip are pictured below demonstrating how that gets done.

Vice President Rod Ratzlaff, Member Nigel Hearne and Secretary Mike Ferris Livin’ the Dream in Coffman Cove on Prince of Wales Island in Southeast Alaska.

With no featured guest speaker currently scheduled for our next meeting, we will plan to present a short slideshow of photos from the trip prepared by Past Secretary Bob Johnston if time permits after our business meeting. We hope to see you there!

Reminder Notice for Membership Dues
If you need to pay your annual membership dues, attached is a Membership Form for your convenience. Please return your completed form and dues payment to:

Linda Chezem – Treasurer
663 Rockwood St. SE , Salem, OR. 97306

Please note that the payment amount for annual dues has changed to $40.00 effective February 1, 2023.

Submitted by Mike Ferris
Salem Chapter Secretary

Salem Chapter Northwest Steelheaders

Newsletter for June 2023

Plans for June Membership Meeting Include a Program on Fly-Fishing for Steelhead

As a follow-up to the fly-casting clinic featured at our May meeting program, we are looking forward to a fascinating slideshow by Phil McCorkle about fly-fishing for Winter Steelhead. Phil has been catching Steelhead with a fly-rod for over 40 years and plans to share some of the many photos of his successful efforts in doing just that. Please plan to join us on June 20^th for Phil’s presentation: “A Lifetime of Chasing Steel.”

The meeting starts at 7 PM at the Keizer City Hall. Arrive early for a chance at raffle prizes.

“Fishin’ Phil” McCorkle and Salem Chapter Secretary Mike Ferris fly-fishing for Steelhead

Learn to Fish Event on May 20^th was a Big Success

On Saturday, May 20^th, several members of our Salem Steelheaders Chapter participated in a “Learn to Fish” event organized by Jenny Ammon and the City of Keizer at Keizer Rapids Park. Other organizations volunteering in the event included the Keizer Police Department, Marion County Marine Patrol, the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife and the Marion Soil & Water Conservation District. Approximately 50 people attended with participants rotating through six “fishing skill” stations set up throughout the park. Attendees learned how to identify game fish, tie fishing knots, rig fishing gear and practice casting techniques. At the conclusion of the two-hour event, there was a door-prize drawing and four very happy winners walked away with new rods, reels and tackle boxes donated by Sportsman’s Warehouse in Salem.

Salem Member Nigel Hearne demonstrating a fishing knot and Jeremie Fletcher of the Keizer Police Department assisting with “casting practice” at the Learn to Fish event

Fin Clipping Event Scheduled to be held on June 17^th at Rhodes Pond Near Hebo, Oregon

Please be reminded of the Annual Fin Clipping Event to be held on Saturday, June 17^th by the Nestucca Anglers near Rhodes Pond near Hebo, Oregon (5.5 miles east of Hebo).

Club Picnic Date Set for July 8^th

We are currently looking at Saturday, July 8^th as a possible date for a Club Picnic. A sign-up sheet will be circulated with further details at our next meeting on June 20th.

Future Summer Meeting Schedule

Please be reminded that there are no regular monthly membership meetings or board meetings scheduled for the Summer months of July and August.

Many Thanks to G.I. Wilson and Jo Wilson

After conducting a successful garage sale on May 12^th & 13^th, G.I. and Jo Wilson donated all of the left-over items of G.I.’s fishing gear to the Mid-Willamette Valley Anglers and Salem Steelheaders. Each organization received 50% of the unsold merchandise which can now be used for club raffle items or other fundraising efforts. Our sincere thanks to both of them for their generous donation.

Reminder Notice for Membership Dues

If you need to pay your annual membership dues, attached is a Membership Form for your convenience. Please return your completed form and dues payment to:

Linda Chezem – Treasurer

663 Rockwood St. SE , Salem, OR. 97306

Please note that the payment amount for annual dues has changed to $40.00 effective February 1, 2023.

Submitted by Mike Ferris

Salem Chapter Secretary

————————————————————————————————-

Salem Chapter Northwest Steelheaders

Newsletter for May 2023

Plans for May and June Monthly Meeting Programs

When it comes to learning some new information about Fly-Fishing and Steelhead Fishing, what could be better than combining those two topics together and learning how to fly-fish for Steelhead? Over the course of our next two monthly meetings, that is exactly what we intend to do starting with a Fly-Fishing Clinic at our next meeting on May 16^th with the help of Chapter Secretary – Mike Ferris and Club Member – Nigel Hearne. Mike and Nigel will plan to demonstrate some basic fly-casting techniques and also present samples of some proven Steelhead fly-fishing rigs.

Next month, on June 20^th, we have confirmed a presentation from Phil McCorkle who has been successfully fly-fishing for Steelhead on the Coastal rivers in Oregon for over 40 years. Phil plans to present us with a “spellbinding” slideshow of his many fly-fishing adventures.

Our Next Board of Directors Meeting is Scheduled for June 7th

As usual, our Board of Directors welcomes Salem Chapter members to attend our Board Meetings held at Sportsman’s Warehouse at 6:30 PM.

Fin Clipping Event Scheduled to be held on June 17^th at Rhodes Pond Near Hebo, Oregon

Please mark you calendar and plan to attend. Attached below is a copy of last year’s flyer with more information about the event.

Possible Club Picnic Date Set for July 8^th

We are currently looking at Saturday, July 8^th as a possible date for a Club Picnic at North Santiam State Park. A survey of our membership will be taken at our next meeting on May 16^th to see if there is enough interest in scheduling this event.

Future Summer Meeting Schedule

Please be reminded that there are no regular monthly meetings scheduled for the Summer months of July and August.

Some Sad News…

It is with great sadness that we report the passing of longtime member John Wills. We recently learned from our Past Salem Chapter Secretary, Bob Johnston, that John passed away at his home in Mill City on Tuesday, May 9^th.

Reminder Notice for Membership Dues

If you need to pay your annual membership dues, attached is a Membership Form for your convenience. Please return your completed form and dues payment to:

Linda Chezem – Treasurer

663 Rockwood St. SE , Salem, OR. 97306

Please note that the payment amount for annual dues has changed to $40.00 effective February 1, 2023.

Submitted by Mike Ferris

Salem Chapter Secretary

Salem Chapter Northwest Steelheaders

Newsletter for April 2023

April 18^th Meeting Includes a Member Swap Meet

It’s time to start digging through those boxes full of unused fishing gear and bring it to the next meeting for our Salem Chapter Swap Meet on April 18^th. You’ll know you have the right box when you find those long-forgotten spoons, spinners and corkies that you haven’t used during the past decade. You also might want to rummage through that big bundle of rods in the corner of the garage that haven’t seen any action in recent years. Who knows?…You might be able to sell, trade or donate that gear to someone who might use it! Even if you don’t have any old fishing tackle to unload, there’s also a good chance you might find that special steelhead or salmon rod you’ve always wanted but couldn’t see fit to pay the price for when it was brand new.

Bring your unused fishing gear to our April 18^th Swap Meet and maybe find some new stuff!

As of press time, Salem Chapter President – Jay Wylie was still looking for a “reel repair expert” to attend our meeting and share their knowledge and advice on how to fix up any old reels you still like. Please plan to attend and bring your old fishing gear and maybe buy or trade for something else you’ve always wanted.

Our Next Board of Directors Meeting is Scheduled for May 3rd

As usual, our Board of Directors welcomes Salem Chapter members to attend our Board Meetings held at Sportsman’s Warehouse at 6:30 PM.

G.I. Wilson to Hold Garage Sale May 12 – 13, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Speaking of used fishing gear…Long-time Salem Chapter Member and Author, G.I. Wilson recently shared his plans with us to sell off “sixty years of fishing gear” at a garage sale on May 12 – 13 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. G.I. says he plans to sell all his “top of the line steelhead and salmon gear.” Merchandise for sale will include “rods, reels, flashers, divers, spinners, hooks, line, spinner building components, yarn, corkies, birdies, spin-n-glos, lead and much more.” Please arrive at 9:00 AM on Friday, May 12^th for the best selection as there will be no “early sales” of merchandise prior to the event. G.I. welcomes our attendance and asks that we please be kind to his neighbors because he lives on a dead-end street with limited parking. The garage sale will be held at:

4825 – 12^th Ave. North

Keizer, Oregon 97303

Fin Clipping Event Scheduled to be held on June 17^th at Rhodes Pond Near Hebo, Oregon

Please mark you calendar and plan to attend. Additional details are to follow next month.

Correction to March Newsletter

In our March 2023 Newsletter, we reported in error that a new Club Facebook page would be created and maintained. It was later brought to our attention that our Salem Steelheaders Chapter already has a Facebook Page which has been very capably managed and maintained by Member Dave S. for several years. The correct URL address for the site is: www.facebook.com/salemnwsteelheaders We apologize for the misinformation.

Reminder Notice for Membership Dues

If you need to pay your annual membership dues, attached is a Membership Form for your convenience. Please return your completed form and dues payment to:

Linda Chezem – Treasurer

663 Rockwood St. SE , Salem, OR. 97306

Please note that the payment amount for annual dues has changed to $40.00 effective February 1, 2023.

Submitted by Mike Ferris – Salem Chapter Secretary

Salem Chapter Northwest Steelheaders Newsletter

for February 2023

February 21st Meeting Program by Greg Walsh – Emergency Preparedness Manager for the City of Salem

Our February 21st meeting will feature a program by Greg Walsh – Emergency Preparedness Manager for the City of Salem. Greg is a Certified C.E.R.T. (Community Emergency Response Team) trainer. We look forward to his presentation.

Winter Steelhead Beginning to Show in Oregon’s Coastal Rivers…and a Fish Story to Prove It

Beautiful sunny days don’t happen very often in the middle of January so, when the rain finally subsided and the river levels dropped on January 24th, Salem Chapter Secretary, Mike Ferris and former Salem Chapter member, Lee Harrington headed for the Siletz River. They launched their drift boat near the town of Siletz and, as expected, both the weather and the fishing were great but the catching was a little slow. After releasing several good-sized Sea Run Cutthroat Trout, Lee decided to change up his fishing gear and switched from the usual plugs, bobbers and jigs over to a colorful size number 4 spinner. His efforts were almost immediately rewarded and, after a lively five-minute battle, Lee landed a beautiful, bright native Winter Steelhead which was promptly photographed and released. About thirty minutes later and a quarter mile downstream, Lee hooked another larger Steelhead which proved to be too big to get a good look at before it spit the hook and disappeared back into the fast-moving current. All things considered, it was a “picture perfect” day of Winter Steelhead fishing and similar stories were also reported by a few other fishermen we met on the river that day.

Dr. Lee Harrington with a wild Winter Steelhead caught and released on the Siletz River

Dr. Lee Harrington with a wild Winter Steelhead caught and released on the Siletz River

Our Next Board of Directors Meeting is Scheduled for March 1st

As usual, our Board of Directors welcomes Salem Chapter members to attend our Board Meetings held at Sportsman’s Warehouse at 6:30 PM.

Reminder Notice for Membership Dues

If you need to pay your annual membership dues, attached is a Membership Form for your convenience. Please return your completed form and dues payment to:

Linda Chezem – Treasurer

663 Rockwood St. SE

Salem, OR. 97306

Please note that the payment amount for annual dues has changed to $40.00 effective February 1, 2023.

Submitted by Mike Ferris

Salem Chapter Secretary

Salem Chapter Northwest Steelheaders Newsletter

for January 2023

January 17^th Meeting includes a program by Brian Paulsen of the Oregon State Marine Board.

Our January 17^th meeting will feature a presentation by Brian Paulsen – Boating Safety Program Manager for the Oregon State Marine Board. Brian oversees Outfitter Guides, Marine Law Enforcement, Waterways and Boater Education & Outreach for the OSMB. Brian plans to discuss the various roles and duties of his position at the Oregon State Marine Board. On a personal level, he describes himself as a lifelong boater and fisherman.

A photo of our new embroidered logo patch

New Embroidered ANWS Logo Patches are here!

We recently received a dozen embroidered ANWS Logo Patches and now have them available for sale. The patches measure 5.5 inches long and 2.25 inches tall and are good fit for your favorite shirt or jacket (if you can get them sewn on). They will be available at our next meeting at a price of $8.00 each.

Salem Steelheader DVDs now available for purchase

For many years, Salem Chapter member Dave Hopfer served as our official “Club Videographer.” During that time, Dave recorded a large video library of many past program speaker presentations and other club events. Shortly after Dave passed away last January, his family donated his collection of over 134 DVDs to our club. Since then, our Past Secretary Bob Johnston has taken on a new role as “Club Archivist” and has been creating an inventory of those DVDs for future enjoyment by our members. Bob says he plans to complete an inventory listing soon. So, if you would like to have a copy of a past program presentation, please let him know. DVD copies will be available for purchase at $10.00 each. The proceeds from all sales will be donated to our Salem Chapter.

Our Next Board of Directors Meeting is Scheduled for February 1st

As usual, our Board of Directors welcomes Salem Chapter members to attend our Board Meetings held at Sportsman’s Warehouse at 6:30 PM.

Reminder Notice for Membership Dues

If you need to pay your annual membership dues, attached is a Membership Form for your convenience. Please return your completed form and dues payment to:

Linda Chezem – Treasurer

663 Rockwood St. SE

Salem, OR. 97306

Submitted by Mike Ferris

Salem Chapter Secretary