Salem Chapter Northwest Steelheaders

Newsletter December 2021

On behalf of President Rod Ratzlaff and members of the Board of Directors, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year; please be safe and stay well.

We hope you all are doing well; if you’ve got the COVID-19 Virus, hope you are getting better. If you are well enough, I hope you are getting some fishing and catching the big ones.

Christmas Dinner on 21 December meeting and dinner:  At the December meeting we will have our fabulous dinner and meeting. The chapter will provide the turkey cooked and donated by Jim K. and ham cooked and donated by Bob J., soft beverages, tableware.  We are asking members to bring a side dish. Suggestions are welcome.
Past dinners have been outstanding and lots of fun. The drawing will be different: all attending will be given a ticket “at no cost” and drawings will be made for some very nice prizes.  Dinner starts at 7:00 p.m. on 21 December 2021.
Members who did not get an opportunity to sign up, please do so ASAP with Bob J, 503-507-1424 [please leave a message, no text please] or at [email protected] and tell us who you are, how many will be attending and what you plan on bringing. You may sign up online at our Facebook and at our web page: https://salemnwsteelheaders.org There will be no charge to the members; if you are past due you may reinstate their membership at the current rate of $30.00 a year. “Past due” payments will not have to be made up.

We ask anyone attending who is not vaccinated to PLEASE wear a mask. From the Oregon Health Authority: On Aug. 24, Governor Kate Brown announced a new rule that will require people in Oregon to mask in most public outdoor settings — regardless of vaccination status — where physical distancing is not possible.

Guest Speaker for the evening will be Mr. Michael Ferris: Mike F. is a chapter member and fishing guide in our area willing to be our after-dinner speaker at the dinner-meeting. He plans to give a brief talk about fishing in our area, “Learn the River Trips” and Alaska fishing trips.

Do not forget to wear your ugly Christmas sweater.
Wishing everyone a very Happy Holiday Season.

Submitted:                                                                    Approved:
Bob Johnston                                                                Rod Ratzlaff
Secretary                                                                       President

Membership’s renewals, please send it to;
N. W. Steelheaders Salem
P. O. Box 3341
Salem, OR  97302

The NEW address for the Assn. is P.O. Box 55400 Portland OR 97238

Salem Chapter NW Steelheaders—News Notice, 9 November 2021

We hope you are staying safe, well and catching fish.

The chapter.  The chapter board meetings are held on the first Wednesday of the month, at Sportsman’s Warehouse on south Lancaster. You are welcome to attend. If you have any ideas, suggestions, or comments, please let us know.  This is your chapter and we need help and input from the members.

November General Meeting:  Our next general meeting will be on 16 November 2021 at the Keizer City Hall. Hopefully, we will not have more “COVID” restrictions from the State of Oregon.   

 Matt Halseth is the speaker for the evening and he will be talking about steelhead fishing in the coastal river systems and bays, peak run time, and productive water heights he has found in those rivers, and give you tips on gear to be used to catch steelhead.  As part of the door prizes, you will have the opportunity to win one of two seats in Matt’s boat to fish for Spring Chinook, Fall Chinook or Steelhead. See attached flyer.  
  1. We ask anyone attending who is not vaccinated to PLEASE wear a mask. From the Oregon Health Authority: On Aug. 24, Governor Kate Brown announced a new rule that will require people in Oregon to mask in most public outdoor settings — regardless of vaccination status — where physical distancing is not possible.
  2.  We will provide several types of pizza, soft drinks, paper plates, and table settings.

4. For the pizza dinner we will need to ask for members to respond with an “RSVP” to get a count we can expect and have enough for everyone to eat, at [email protected], or 503-507-1424 please leave a message, or online at our web page: https://salemnwsteelheaders.org/ There will be no charge to the members; we are using this event to have folks reinstate their membership at the current rate of $30.00 a year. “Past due” payments will not have to be made up.
 5. Part of the program will be:
       a. Find a new President, and a new Secretary. The current office holders will not continue in office after December 2021.
      b. Continuing the chapter if new officers are not found.
      c.  Activities for the year 2022.

Chapter Membership: At one time our chapter had over 60 paid up memberships. The June-July 2021 report show that we have 23 paid members, 20 members are past due in 2021 and 17 past due in 2020. We thank the 8 members who renewed at the last meeting.
 The Chapter Board has decided “The future of this chapter is in question.
In support of the NWSH Association, and to continue the chapter and chapter activities, by the first of next year 2022, we need members to step up and give this chapter some new direction and motivation.  We are asking for some volunteers to step forward and fill the offices. Please contact President Rod Ratzlaff at [email protected] or myself at [email protected], thank you.  
Bring their dues of $30.00 a year up to date, Past due” payments will not have to be made up “.
 Step up and take the offices of the President, Vice-president, Secretary and board members, and bring in new members. If the goals are not met the Salem Chapter may dissolve in accordance with Chapter and Assn. By-Laws at the end of this year.  Your membership in the Association will be moved to “Member At Large” unless you specify otherwise and select a chapter.” 

The NWSH Assn. Is holding a “Virtual Auction on 8-12 November 2021. BIDDING IS OPEN! From today until Nov. 12 at 7:00pm, you can bid on items and trips in our virtual auction to support recreation opportunities. Our virtual auction gives you the chance to bid on cutting edge gear and once-in-a-lifetime trips donated by local small businesses and local craftsmen in our community dedicated to conservation! Right now, we’re living under extraordinary circumstances. Despite the challenges the past year and a half have brought us all, the sport fishing community is resilient. That is why we’re working tirelessly to increase fishing access and habitat restoration for our at-risk salmon and steelhead populations. With all of your help, Northwest runs will bounce back to numbers that foster flourishing populations and vibrant recreation opportunities.  The NWSH Assn. has additional information on the facebook page: https://www.facebook.com › salemnwsteelheaders and web page:www.Northwesteelheaders.org.

Membership Reports:   The Association has lost an employee who was processing membership tasks. To update and maintain an almost accurate listing of our chapter membership and send renewal notices, we are asking that you send your renewal to our chapter treasurer at: N.W. Steelheaders, Salem, P.O. Box 3314, Salem, OR 97302.
Make checks and money orders payable to: Association of Northwest Steelheaders. 
The chapter treasurer will record your payment and forward the check to the association as required by the Association Bylaws. If you pay by automated deduction from your bank account or wish to pay directly to the Association do not change it, we will find out you have paid, eventually.  Annual membership is $30.00. If you are past due you do not have to make up for past due. The Assn. does have several payment plans.    Do you have a better Idea? Please let us know. It is time for chapter members to step up and give this chapter some new direction and motivation.  We are asking for some volunteers to step forward and fill the offices. Please contact President Rod Ratzlaff at [email protected] or myself at [email protected], thank you.

Respectfully submitted, Bob Johnston Chapter Sec.

Salem Chapter NW Steelheaders—News Notice 11 October 2021

We hope you are staying safe, well and catching fish.

The chapter. At the board meetings, we are planning to hold a general meeting on 19 October 2021. If you have any ideas, suggestions, or comments, please let us know.  This is your chapter and we need help and input from the members.

October General Meeting:  Our next general meeting will be on 19 October 2021 at the Keizer City Hall. Hopefully, we will not have more “COVID” restrictions from the State of Oregon.
  1. We ask anyone attending who is not vaccinated to PLEASE wear a mask. From the Oregon Health Authority: On Aug. 24, Governor Kate Brown announced a new rule that will require people in Oregon to mask in most public outdoor settings — regardless of vaccination status — where physical distancing is not possible. The rule will go into effect Friday, Aug. 27. Masks, face coverings or face shields are required in all indoor spaces.
  2.  We will provide several types of pizza, salad, soft drinks, paper plates, and table settings.
  3. Each attendee will receive a free ticket for one of the five [5] prizes that will be given away in a drawing.
  4. We will need to ask for members to respond with an “RSVP” to get a count we can expect and have enough for everyone to eat, at [email protected], or 503-507-1424 please leave a message, or online at our facebook and at our web page: https://salemnwsteelheaders.corg/ It is time for chapter members to step up and give this chapter some new direction and motivation.  We are asking for some volunteers to step forward and fill the offices. Please contact President Rod Ratzlaff at [email protected] or myself at [email protected], thank you.
         There will be no charge to the members, we are using this event to have folks reinstate their membership at the current rate of $30.00 a year. “Past due” payments will not have to be made up.
 5. We are scheduled to have two representatives from Berkley fishing gear. Part of their presentation is they will bring a machine that will test your knot tying capabilities while others watch to see how your knot did.
 6. Part of the program will be:
       a. Find a new President, and a new Secretary. The current office holders will not continue in office after December 2021.
      b. Continuing the chapter if new officers are not found.
      c.  Activities for the year 2022.

Chapter Membership: At one time our chapter had over 60 paid up memberships. The June-July 2021 report show that we have 19 paid members, 22 members are past due in 2021 and 19 past due in 2020.
 The Chapter Board has decided “The future of this chapter is in question.
In support of the NWSH Association, and to continue the chapter and chapter activities, by the first of next year 2022 we need members to:
Bring their dues of $30.00 a year up to date, Past due” payments will not have to be made up “]
 Step up and take the offices of the President, Vice-president, Secretary and board members, and bring in new members.
If the goals are not met the Salem Chapter may dissolve in accordance with Chapter and Assn. By-Laws at the end of this year.  Your membership in the Association will be moved to “Member At Large” unless you specify otherwise and select a chapter.” 

The NWSH Assn. Is organizing a “Save Salmon Derby” on August 27-28.  They are requesting the chapters to organize a three-person teams to fish and members who volunteers.  Please let the Assn. know if you can volunteer for our event.  The Dinner is Friday prior to the Derby on Saturday – fishing the Columbia and Willamette Rivers.  More information to come. There will be some nice prizes awarded at the dinner. One trip for two persons, 1 day trip in Homer, AK., with DK charters. $500.00 value.  The NWSH Assn. has additional information on the facebook page: https://www.facebook.com › salemnwsteelheaders and web page:www.Northwesteelheaders.org.

Membership Reports:   The Association has lost an employee who was processing membership tasks. To update and maintain an almost accurate listing of our chapter membership and send renewal notices, we are asking that you send your renewal to our chapter treasurer at: N.W. Steelheaders, Salem, P.O. Box 3314, Salem, OR 97302.
Make checks and money orders payable to: Association of Northwest Steelheaders. 
The chapter treasurer will record your payment and forward the check to the association as required by the Association Bylaws. If you pay by automated deduction from your bank account or wish to pay directly to the Association do not change it, we will find out you have paid, eventually.  Annual membership is $30.00. If you are past due you do not have to make up for past due. The Assn. does have several payment plans.    Do you have a better Idea? Please let us know.

It is time for chapter members to step up and give this chapter some new direction and motivation.  We are asking for some volunteers to step forward and fill the offices. Please contact President Rod Ratzlaff at [email protected] or myself at [email protected], thank you

Respectfully submitted,
Bob Johnston, Chapter Secretary

Salem Chapter NW Steelheaders—News Notice

My last “News Notice” to you was about our September 2021 meeting and plans for a “Pizza dinner” to restart the chapter activities.
The Salem Chapter Board of Directors has agreed that we should postpone that meeting. Our concern is:
The virility of the COVID 19 and what it has morphed into is of concern.
The limited number of hospital beds and staff to care for patients contracting the disease and the average age of our members.
The Oregon Health Authorities at the governor’s direction has reinstated the mask requirement.
The Keizer City Hall and Community Center is requesting that persons entering the building wear masks. 

We still plan to “Restart” our chapter at a later date. Please check your E-mail, and visit our chapter web page: https://salemnwsteelheaders.org/ .   

Chapter web page Fish Pictures? If you have any recent pictures of fish you have caught or places you have fished, send the pictures to our website at: [email protected]  with a short description of who is in the picture and what you have caught. Our chapter also has a Facebook page with lots of pictures and current info. Just search for “Salem NW Steelheaders” on Facebook and “like” our page. You can also see current info and pictures at our website: https://salemnwsteelheaders.org/

The Association has news, information and a list of activities for events you may want to participate in. You can visit them at: https://nwsteelheaders.org/blog/newsletter/  .

Salem Chapter leaders.  If our chapter is remaining active, we need some help from the membership. President Rod Ratzlaff will not continue as chapter president after the first of the year. 
Bob Johnston will not continue as chapter secretary after the first of the year.
The office of Vice President has been vacant and needs to be filled. 
Members of the board of Directors have done an excellent job and has been very generous with their time. Board members speak for themselves; we can always use new members, new ideas for the board.  It is time for chapter members to step up and give this chapter some new direction and motivation. 
We are asking for some volunteers to step forward and fill the offices. Please contact President Rod Ratzlaff at [email protected] or myself at [email protected], thank you.

Respectfully submitted,
Bob Johnston, Chapter Secretary

Salem Chapter NW Steelheaders—News Notice

The First Annual Fishing Gear Swap Meet sponsored by the Albany Chapter of Northwest Steelheaders, that was to be held on 18 August 2021, 10 am to 6 pm at Bryant Park, in Albany, has been canceled. It may be rescheduled at a later date.

We hope you are staying safe, well and catching fish.

Note: From the board meeting we planned to resume our activities starting in September without restrictions. It should be noted that in the last day or two the Oregon government has put new restrictions on us, so things may change again, but I want to let you know what we are planning and hopefully you will be able to participate.

The chapter. At the board meeting in August, we planned to get things restarted. We will hopefully, hold a general meeting on 21 September 2021. If you have any ideas, suggestions, or comments, please let us know.  This is your chapter and we need help and input from the members.

September General Meeting:  Our next general meeting will be on 21 September2021 at the Keizer City Hall. Hopefully, we will not have more “COVID” restrictions from the State of Oregon.
  1. We ask any one attending who is not vaccinated to PLEASE wear a mask.
  2.  We will provide several types of pizza, salad, soft drinks, paper plates, and table settings.
  3. Each attendee will receive a free ticket for one of the five [5] prizes that will be given away in a drawing.
  4. We will need to ask for members to respond with an “RSVP” to get a number we can expect and have enough for everyone to eat.
There will be no charge to the members, but hopefully, we can use this event to have folks reinstate their membership at the current rate of $30.00 a year. “Past due” payments will not have to be made up.
 5. We are scheduled to have two representatives from Berkley fishing gear. Part of their presentation is they will bring a machine that will test your knot tying capabilities while others watch to see how your knot did.
 6. Part of the program will be:
       a. Find a new President, and a new Secretary. The current office holders will not continue in office after December 2021.
      b. Continuing the chapter if new officers are not found.
      c.  Activities for the year 2022.

We will have a board meeting in September 1^st to finalize this program, and lay out our plans for October, November and the December Christmas Pot Luck dinner.  

The Northwest Sportfishing Industry Assn. is sponsoring “Buoy 10 Salmon Challenge” to be held on 20 August 2021 in Astoria Oregon. Web page: https://nsiafishing.org/buoy-10-salmon-challenge/  The NWSH Assn. has been asked to find volunteers to help for the entire event-set up, it will take most of the day Thursday then the event on Friday.  If you can only do one of those days that’s OK. They were able rent a house for Thursday night only if they need a place to stay. The fairgrounds does have a hook up if they have their own rig, bathrooms and showers. Contact Tanya at NSIA for further details.  The NWSH Assn. has additional information on the facebook page: facebook: @northweststeelheaders and web page: www.Northwesteelheaders.org.

The NWSH Assn. Is organizing a “Save Salmon Derby” on August 27-28.  They are requesting the chapters to organize a three-person teams to fish and members who volunteers.  Please let the Assn. know if you can volunteer for our event.  The Dinner is Friday prior to the Derby on Saturday – fishing the Columbia and Willamette Rivers.  More information to come. There will be some nice prizes awarded at the dinner. One trip for two persons, 1 day trip in Homer, AK., with DK charters. $500.00 value.  The NWSH Assn. has additional information on the facebook page: facebook: @northweststeelheaders and web page: www.Northwesteelheaders.org.

Membership Reports:   The Association has lost an employee who was processing membership tasks. To update and maintain an almost accurate listing of our chapter membership and send renewal notices, we are asking that you send your renewal to our chapter treasurer at: N.W. Steelheaders, Salem, P.O. Box 3314, Salem, OR 97302.
Make checks and money orders payable to: Association of Northwest Steelheaders. 
The chapter treasurer will record your payment and forward the check to the association as required by the Association Bylaws. If you pay by automated deduction from your bank account or wish to pay directly to the Association do not change it, we will find out you have paid, eventually.  Annual membership is $30.00. If you are past due you do not have to make up for past due. The Assn. does have several payment plans.    Do you have a better Idea? Please let us know.

Salem Chapter leaders.  If our chapter is remaining active, we need some help from the membership.
President Rod Ratzlaff will not continue as chapter president after the first of the year. 
Bob Johnston will not continue as chapter secretary after the first of the year.

The office of Vice President has been vacant and needs to be filled.  
Members of the board of Directors have done an excellent job and been very generous with their time. Board members speak for themselves; we can always use new members on the board.
 
It is time for chapter members to step up and give this chapter some new direction and motivation.  We are asking for some volunteers to step forward and fill the offices. Please contact President Rod Ratzlaff at [email protected] or myself at [email protected], thank you

Respectfully submitted,
Bob Johnston, Chapter Secretary

Salem Chapter NW Steelheaders.  News Notice

We hope you are doing well and maybe catching a few fish.

Sorry, this is “short fused” but if you would like to get out and about, the Santiam River Guides has extended an invitation to join in for a clean up of the Santiam State Park on 8 May 2021 at 9:00 am to whenever we are done. This is the only chapter Civic Action assist for this year. [ so far].
The park was heavily damaged during the fire. There is a lot of work to do to reopen the park and boat ramp.  Bring: mask, lunch, rain gear if rain, shovel, rake, your favorite pruning shears (brush cutter). The park will furnish wheelbarrows, rock & dirt. Arne Dahl plans to bring equipment to help move rock & dirt. If you have some power equipment, please bring it.
TASKS: clear trails through camp spots, cut over hanging brush on trails, fill burned out tree stump holes with rock, cover with dirt, and clean out camp spots.

Note from the Salem Chapter Board meeting last evening:
If you have any ideas, suggestions, or comments, please let us know.  This is your chapter and we need help and input from the members.

The chapter will remain inactive until September 2021. We will have a board meeting in August to get things restarted. Do you have a better idea?

The Association has lost an employee who was processing membership tasks.
To update and maintain an almost accurate listing of our chapter membership and send renewal notices, we are asking that you send your renewal to our chapter treasurer at: N.W. Steelheaders, Salem, P.O. Box 3314, Salem, OR 97302.
Make checks and money orders payable to: Association of Northwest Steelheaders.  
The chapter treasurer will record your payment and forward the check to the association as required by the Association Bylaws. If you pay by automated deduction from your bank account or wish to pay directly to the Association do not change it, we will find out you have paid, eventually.  Annual membership is $30.00. If you are past due you do not have to make up for past due. The Assn. dose have several payment plans.    Do you have a better Idea?

The chapter membership is continuing to decline and it is difficult to recruit new and renewing current members.  The Association has some activities ongoing and information can be found on their web page at: www.Northwesteelheaders.org.
or facebook: @northweststeelheaders . We hope to send renewal notices to the chapter membership soon.  

Annual Finn Clipping Party at Rhodes Pond on 19 June 2021 at 9:00 am at Rhodes Pond Highway 22, 5 and ½ miles east of Hebo Oregon. Contact Dave Booth for more details at 503-398-5553.

Salem Chapter leaders.  If our chapter is remaining active, we need some help form the membership. Talking with President Rod Ratzlaff he does not want to continue as chapter president and just may not do it.  I do not plan to continue as chapter secretary. Members of the board of Directors have done an excellent job and been very generous with their time. I will let the board members speak for themselves, we can always use new members on the board. It is time for someone the step up and give this chapter some new direction and motivation.  So, we are asking for some volunteers to do that. Please contact President Rod Ratzlaff at [email protected] or myself at [email protected], thank you

Respectfully submitted
Bob Johnston Chapter Secretary 

Salem Chapter Northwest Steelheaders Newsletter for December 2020

On behalf of President Rod Ratzlaff and members of the Board of Directors, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year; please be safe and stay well.

We hope you all are doing well; if you’ve got the COVID-19 Virus, hope you are getting better. If you are well enough, I hope you are getting some fishing and catching the big ones.

Monday December 7 is Remember Pearl Harbor Day: Please let’s break out “Old Glory” and fly her high and proudly. Thank You.

The chapter meetings and activities: All are canceled due to the COVID-19 virus. The chapter Board of Directors were polled and after some discussion, it was decided it would be best to cancel our chapter activities until after the first of the year. The average age of our members is over 55. Our speakers do not want to make a presentation to a small group of 8-10 members so it is not worth their time and expense to come to Salem. I will continue to update you through this newsletter. The Board of Directors will meet when it is safe to plan activities for the spring and summer. If you have any suggestions, please contact a board member.

Chapter Presidents Corner: Rod Ratzlaff has assumed the duties of the office of President. If any member would like to step up and become the President of the Salem Chapter, please step forward and let us know. We also need someone to fill the office of secretary. Please.

The taking of your rights: A land owner in the Three Rivers {Hebo} area has/may be initiating a challenge to the Oregon River Access law as it pertains to the river that flows through his property. The Association plans to be joining with other sporting organizations to oppose any changes to the Oregon law as it is now written.

The ODFW Web Page: ( https:[email protected] ) Recreation Report will give you information on events that may be of interest to you. ODFW web page: https://www.dfw.state.or.us/news/2020/ also has information you may want to check out. You can sign up for news releases from ODFW at: https://omls.oregon.gov/mailman/listinfo/odfw-news.

NWSH Association News Letter: The Assn. newsletter has grown to several pages of information. I cannot reproduce it here or make copies for members who do not have email. It has a lot of good information and activities in it. You can find it on line at: https://nwsteelheaders.org/blog/newsletter/.

NWSH Association Membership drive: The association has initiated a membership drive to bring in new members and also to try to reach out to members who let their memberships expire in hopes they will rejoin. We will initiate a calling program when we have some activities to offer at our meetings. Hopefully, the chapter will gain members, contact with folks who may be unhappy with us, or give us input on how we can improve. When the Assn. canceled the Boat and Raffle ticket sales, the chapter does not have much income. Donations are welcome. Some changes to memberships:
Sustaining Membership $5 or $10 per month Sustainers are crucial to providing an ongoing base of community support that we can rely on, so you can continue to rely on us. Each month, we will charge your credit or debit card the amount that you specify. Your Sustaining Membership will automatically continue unless you choose to cancel or change it.
Annual Membership: $30 per year Our Annual Membership is our most popular membership option, and for good reason! Whether you’re new to Northwest Steelheaders or a long-time member, our Annual Membership is an affordable, consistent way to contribute to our legacy of conservation advocacy and fishing education work.
Lifetime Membership $500 one time or $100 in 5 installments Lifetime Members are essential to our community. They contribute a disproportionate amount of support to make certain that Northwest Steelheaders has the capacity to address the issues that the wider sportfishing community cares about. The Assn. office had assured me that they are sending out notices of when your dues need to be paid.
The last listing I have lists your expiration date as:
Please give me your feedback. Thank you. Bob J.

Boat Ramps in Oregon: I found this link at the Marine Board web page: https://geo.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=841da68081294bb2a6b50f93b1a12f05 It shows the boat ramps in Oregon, and where you can get information if it is open. They state the information in areas affected by the recent fires may not be up to date but they do give you contact numbers to check.

Fishing Line Recycle: Time to clean and reline the old and new reels for the new season. Keep the used line. ODFW has a program that collects and recycles old used fishing line. If you find some fishing line at the boat ramp or on the river bank please put it in the ODFW tubes or bring it to the next general meeting and give it to Bob J.

Chapter web page Fish Pictures? If you have any recent pictures of fish you have caught or places you have fished, send the pictures to our website at: [email protected] with a short description of who is in the picture and what you have caught. Our chapter also has a Facebook page with lots of pictures and current info. Just search for “Salem NW Steelheaders” on Facebook and “like” our page. You can also see current info and pictures at our website: https://salemnwsteelheaders.org/

Article for the Newsletter: If you have something interesting you would like to share with the membership, please send it to Bob J. at [email protected]. No phone text please.

If you know someone who has joined this chapter and is not getting the newsletter, please have them contact Bob J. We’ve got a new listing so hopefully; we’ll be able to get in contact with all of our membership.

Sorry about the small print, but I saved ink and a several pages of paper by using it.

Submitted:                                                Approved:
Bob Johnston                                            Rod Ratzlaff
Secretary                                                   President

Salem Chapter Northwest Steelheaders Newsletter for July 2020                 13 July 2020

We hope you all are doing well; if you got the bug, hope you are getting better. If you are well enough, I hope you are getting some fishing and catching the big ones.

The chapter meetings and activities:   Are canceled due to the COVID-19 virus. The chapter Board of Directors met on 3 June 2020. After some lengthy discussion, the board decided it would be best to cancel our chapter activities until September. The Board of Directors will meet on 5 August, and on 2 September to plan activities for the fall and winter.  If you have any suggestions, please contact a board member. 

Chapter Presidents Corner:  Vice President Rod Ratzlaff has assumed the duties of the office of President. If any member would like to step up and become the president of the Salem Chapter, please let us know.  We also need someone to fill the office of secretary, please.

ODFW Announces: From the ODFW, F&W Commission meeting:
“The budget does not include any fee increases on sport or commercial licenses in this budget cycle. While 2021 would typically be a year to raise fees to take effect in 2022 (because the department adjusts fees every six years), ODFW is pleased to be in a position to delay this and not request any fee increase for hunters, anglers or commercial fishermen until 2024 at the earliest. The budget will now go to the Governor and then the 2021 Legislature for final approval.”

North Santiam Watershed Council and Marion SWCD: Invasive Water Primrose on the North Santiam River.  We want to bring your attention to an aggressive, invasive, aquatic plant called water primrose (Ludwigia hexapetala or peploides).  This plant was discovered in late 2018 in the North Santiam watershed. The North Santiam Watershed Council (NSWC) is working in partnership with the Marion Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) on the second year of a project focused on treating and surveying for new infestations of water primrose between Lyons and Stayton. Treatments are taking place in John Neal County Park and Lyons City Park in Lyons, and in Alder Creek near Stayton.  A grant from the Oregon State Weed Board and matching funds from Marion SWCD and the City of Salem are covering the cost of treatment work along with surveys in 2020. To help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, we encourage you to CLEAN, DRAIN and DRY your watercraft and gear before moving to new waterways. Please report any sightings of this plant along the North Santiam River to the Oregon Invasive Hotline at https://oregoninvasiveshotline.org For more information: [email protected] or  [email protected]

NWSH Association News Letter:  The publication is available at: https://nwsteelheaders.org/blog/newsletter/.   Note: At the association board meeting, I asked if the association newsletter, “hard copy,” was sent to the members without an e-mail address. I was told it was not due to monetary limitations. I cannot reproduce it for our non-email members, it is several pages. You can see it on facebook and that other place.  The association also has been working to support our local guides by raffling trips to battle economic stagnation. Some association newsletter articles you may find on line:  Renewable Energy and Barging Industries Have Changed the Lower Snake River dams no longer serve a clear purpose By Betsy Emery, Organizer and Outreach Coordinator and Alix Soliman, Operations Manager.  Note: I asked the Assn. President why the Assn. is spending so much money and resources on this project. His response:
Bob, I can understand that your members are wondering why we are spending so much effort on the Snake River.  A main reason is NWF has issued us a large grant of $78K which helps us financially and we have been working on this issue for many years.   If we could restore the lower Snake it would be great for all fisheries.
Migration Through the Eyes of a Salmon  By Dominic Triolo, Intern.
Mid-Valley Chapter Assists ODFW Project to Facilitate Visitor Engagement at Local Fishing Ponds, and much more.

NWSH Association Membership: The association has a problem getting the membership entries done in a timely manner, but is working on it. Unfortunately, the employees are not full time so it will take time. Your best method to contact the Operations Manager is by e-mail, and then phone. I am assured she will make every effort to get to everyone. Point of Contact: [email protected] , (630) 608-7117.

NWSH Association Membership drive:  The association has initiated a membership drive to bring in new members and also to try to reach out to members who let their memberships expire in hopes they will rejoin. The Assn. has asked the chapters to contact by phone all members and especially members who are listed as past due, i.e.: make contact, talk about fishing, ask what we can do to get them to renew, catch up, or reinstate their membership. They have provided suggested talking points and what we can do to make the chapter more appealing.

NWSH Association Lobbyist: Bob Olson: The state will be working on another special session in August. This one will be to address a budget for the next few years and how the state will cover shortfalls due to the C-19 Virus effecting income. There will be new members in the legislature and chapter members should contact them and address issues of interest, especially fishing. Chapters should identify members who are willing to do this, and if it is a person from that district, the legislator will be more interested in what his constituents have to say and give more time.  Funding for ODFW and fishing will be debated.

Fishing Line Recycle: Time to clean and reline the old and new reels for the new season. Keep the used line.  ODFW has a program that collects and recycles old used fishing line. If you find some fishing line at the boat ramp or on the river bank please put it in the ODFW tubes or bring it to the next general meeting and give it to Bob J.

Chapter web page Fish Pictures? If you have any recent pictures of fish you have caught or places you have fished, send the pictures to our website at: [email protected]  with a short description of who is in the picture and what you have caught. Our chapter also has a Facebook page with lots of pictures and current info. Just search for “Salem NW Steelheaders” on Facebook and “like” our page. You can also see current info and pictures at our website: https://salemnwsteelheaders.org/

Article for the Newsletter:  If you have something interesting you would like to share with the membership, please send it to Bob J. at [email protected].  No phone text please.

If you know someone who has joined this chapter and is not getting the newsletter, please have them contact Bob J. We’ve got a new listing so hopefully; we’ll be able to get in contact with all of our membership.

Sorry about the small print, but I saved ink and a several pages of paper by using it.

Submitted:                                                                                     Approved:
Bob Johnston                                                                                 Rod Ratzlaff
Sec. Ret.                                                                                         Vice President