December 2024 Newsletter

Salem Chapter Northwest Steelheaders

Newsletter for December 2024

 

Next Membership Meeting to Include Dinner and a Movie

Our next monthly membership meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 17th at 7:00 PM in Keizer City Hall. Plans include a Holiday potluck dinner and viewing a new documentary film produced by filmmaker, Randy Dersham as our program. At last year’s Holiday Potluck, we heard from author Roger Fletcher about his book “Drift Boats and River Dories.” This year, much of the information in Roger’s book has been produced into a 35-minute documentary film about the history and evolution of the McKenzie River Drift Boat titled “Oregon’s Boat.” Filmmaker Randy Dersham will be our featured speaker with a short Q & A session after the movie. Those planning to attend are encouraged to bring a guest as well as a side dish, salad or dessert. As usual, our generous past Secretary Bob Johnston will be preparing a wonderful Holiday Ham for the main course. All utensils and beverages are being provided by Treasurer Linda Chezem and our Salem Chapter. We hope you can join us if your schedule permits.

If you would like to attend the Potluck and haven’t already signed up, please call or text Club Secretary Mike Ferris at 971-273-3422 with your information by December 15th so we can maintain an accurate head-count for all those who plan to attend. Thank you!

Passing of James Johnson

It is with sadness that we report the passing of James (Jim) Johnson, one of our former members and a past Salem Chapter President. Jim passed away on November 17, 2024 at the age of 89. He was an artist, avid fisherman, Steelheader and former member of our Salem Chapter. A Celebration of Life event is planned in the coming New Year. Additional details from Jim’s Obituary Notice are available in the December 1st issue of the Statesman Journal.

Reminder Notice for Membership Dues

If you need to pay your annual membership dues, attached below 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

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November 2024 Newsletter

Salem Chapter Northwest Steelheaders

Newsletter for November 2024

 

Next Membership Meeting Scheduled for November 19th

Our next monthly membership meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 19th at 7:00 PM in Keizer City Hall. Plans for our program include a presentation from our newly elected ANWS President, Jeff Hernandez. Jeff was formerly the President of the Tualatin Valley Chapter and we are looking forward to hearing about plans for the ANWS under his leadership.

 

This News Just in from ANWS (Please see their email sent on 11/10/24)

Oregon hatcheries are at risk of closure! Please make your voice heard at the ODFW Hatchery Assessment Meeting!

The meeting will be held this Wednesday, November 13 from 10 A.M. to 4 P.M.

A number of possible plans for the future of Oregon’s hatcheries are being considered, most of which involve the closure of multiple hatcheries and expansion of select others. We believe that it is in our interest and the interest of future generations to preserve and improve all of our hatcheries, not just some of them. If you agree, we ask that you let ODFW know this Wednesday.

Where:

In person:             At the ODFW headquarters’ commission room – street address below.

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
4034 Fairview Industrial Drive SE
Salem, OR 97302
Main Office Phone: (503) 947-6000

 

Online (Teams):    Join the meeting now

Meeting ID: 243 427 000 204
Passcode: RuHuxk

 

By phone:              +1 503-446-4951,,945316395# United States, Portland

Find a local number
Phone conference ID: 945 316 395#

For more information, please see ODFW’s webpage below:

The above email message was sent to all members of the ANWS on November 10th. Please mark your calendar and plan to attend in person or online if you can. As mentioned in the email, this is a rare opportunity to have our voices heard by ODFW concerning their future plans for hatchery fish programs.

Reminder Notice for Membership Dues

If you need to pay your annual membership dues, attached below 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

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October 2024 Newsletter

Salem Chapter Northwest Steelheaders

Newsletter for October 2024

 

Next Membership Meeting Scheduled for October 15th

Our next monthly membership meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 15th at 7:00 PM in Keizer City Hall. As of press time, there was no information available about a scheduled program speaker for the meeting.

 

ANWS Hall of Fame Banquet & Auction to be Held on November 9th

If you would like to donate any “like new” auction items to the ANWS Hall of Fame Banquet and Auction, please bring them with you to our next meeting. Also, Salem Chapter Treasurer, Linda Chezem still has four seats available for Salem Chapter Members at the event which is scheduled to be held on Saturday, November 9th at The Gray Gables Estate located at: 3309 Chestnut Street in Portland, Oregon. If you would like to attend, please let Linda know by or before our next membership meeting on October 15th. These seats are currently available at a discounted price of $35 per person if you sign up by October 15th. The dinner menu includes a choice of braised short ribs or vegan soup. The event is scheduled to run from 4:00 to 8:00 PM.

The Estate’s entryway, where the silent auction will take place

Reminder Notice for Membership Dues

If you need to pay your annual membership dues, attached below 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

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September 2024 Newsletter

Salem Chapter Northwest Steelheaders

Newsletter for September 2024

 

 

 

Next Membership Meeting Scheduled for September 17th

Our next monthly membership meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 17th at 7:00 PM in Keizer City Hall. The latest word about a program for our meeting was to have President Jay Wylie present a chapter from the Steelhead 101 Class on “Fishing Ethics & Advice.”

How I Spent My Summer Vacation” by Glenn Tadina, Nigel Hearne and Mike Ferris

I hope you all had an enjoyable two months off since our last meeting in June. At least three of our Salem Chapter members were able to travel to Coffman Cove on Prince of Wales Island in Southeast Alaska in search of more productive fishing waters during their vacations in July and August. The following photos bear witness to their success and they all returned with multiple boxes of salmon and halibut for their freezers at home.

Salem Chapter Members Glenn Tadina, Nigel Hearne and Mike Ferris with proof of their fishing success in Coffman Cove, Alaska

Save the Date Reminder Notice

Please be reminded to save the date for the annual ANWS Hall of Fame Banquet which is scheduled to be held on Saturday, November 9th at The Gray Gables Estate in Portland, Oregon. More details about this event will follow later.

Reminder Notice for Membership Dues

If you need to pay your annual membership dues, attached below 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

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June 2024 Newsletter

Salem Chapter Northwest Steelheaders

Newsletter for June 2024

 

June 18th Membership Meeting Plans

Plans for our next meeting include a program presentation from “Shuttle Bob” Lusk, one of our own longtime members, about “Fishing the North Santiam River.” With over 50 years of experience doing just that, Bob has a wealth of knowledge and information to share with us on that subject. Please plan to join us and learn from his many experiences of living and fishing on the North Santiam.

Fishing has been pretty good this year and here’s the proof

If you haven’t been fishing lately, you may want to give it a try. On June 8th, Mill City resident Howard Kim had the good fortune to land two beautiful, Hatchery Summer Steelhead on the South Santiam River fishing with Guide, Mitchell Brooks. On June 10th, Club Secretary Mike Ferris guided David Kocaj and his son Zach on the North Santiam which resulted in Zach tagging his very first Steelhead.

Howard Kim with two Summer Steelhead on the South Santiam and Zach Kocaj and Dad, David on North Santiam with his very first Steelhead

Save the date for the Salem Steelheaders Picnic in July

Plans are still in the works to hold our Summer Picnic on Saturday, July 13th at Mike Ferris’ home on the North Santiam River in Mill City. There will be a sign-up sheet available at our meeting on June 18th for those wishing to attend.

Please be reminded there will be no monthly membership meetings in July or August

Future meetings and newsletters will resume in September. Have a great Summer!

Reminder Notice for Membership Dues

If you need to pay your annual membership dues, attached below 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


 

May 2024 Newsletter

Salem Chapter Northwest Steelheaders

Newsletter for May 2024

 

May 21st Membership Meeting Plans

Plans for our meeting on May 21st include a program by Jake Campbell of the Western Rivers Conservancy. Jake is the Donor Relations Officer for Western Rivers Conservancy. Jake’s presentation is entitled “Sometimes to Save a River You Have to Buy It.”  WRC has been working for more than 35 years to conserve and protect lands on more than 280 rivers and streams in nine western states. The presentation will focus on how WRC purchases properties across the West to protect and conserve vital river ecosystems and to provide compatible public use and enjoyment. 

Salem Steelheaders Volunteer at Learn to Fish Event

On Saturday, May 11th, Salem Chapter Member Nigel Hearne and Club Secretary Mike Ferris represented the Salem Steelheaders in the second annual “Learn to Fish Event” held at Keizer Rapids Park by the City of Keizer with four other organizations to help attendees learn more about fishing. Approximately 40 people signed up and visited our “knot tying and rigging” station at the event. The weather was fantastic and participants seemed to appreciate the knowledge and information available to them.

Nigel Hearne and Mike Ferris at the Salem Steelheaders “Knot Tying and Rigging Station”

Participants rotated through six stations within the park to learn about fishing knots, rigging, casting, water safety and fish identification. Other agencies and organizations represented included: The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Willamette River Keepers, Marion Soil & Water Conservation District, Marion County Sheriff’s Department and the Keizer Police Department. Many thanks to our Club Treasurer Linda Chezem and Robert Morton for helping to procure some great door prize items which were given away at the conclusion of the event. There were a lot of very happy people who went home with some new fishing rods and tackle as a direct result of their efforts. Thank you Linda and Robert!

Mark your calendar for the North Santiam River Guides next “Learn the River” Trip

Due to recent high river levers, the North Santiam River Guides Association has rescheduled their next Learn the River Trip from Mehama to Stayton for Saturday, May 18th. More information about this and future LTR trips can be found at: https://nsrga.com/

 

Save the date for the Salem Steelheaders Picnic in July

Plans are still in the works to hold our Summer Picnic on Saturday, July 13th at Mike Ferris’ home on the North Santiam River in Mill City. Please mark your calendar and plan to attend.

For Sale: 2023 Minn Kota Riptide 12 Volt Trolling Motor

Please contact Nigel Hearne at (831) 272-2727 or nigel.e.hearne@gmail.com

Reminder Notice for Membership Dues

If you need to pay your annual membership dues, attached below 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

April 2024 Newsletter

Salem Chapter Northwest Steelheaders

Newsletter for April 2024

 

April 16th Membership Meeting Plans

The program for our next meeting on Tuesday will be a partial review of the ODFW’s Steelhead 101 Class and Robert Morton has agreed to cover the lessons on “Basic Fishing Gear” and “Rods & Reels.” If time allows, Club Secretary Mike Ferris will cover a third lesson from the class on “Reading the Water.”

Tualatin Valley Chapter of ANWS “Fish-A-Long” event a big success

Larry Deck & David Doble “fishing along” with Secretary Mike Ferris on the Nestucca River

Following a deluge of snow, ice and freezing rainstorms early last month, the Tualatin Valley Chapter of the ANWS was able to reschedule their Tillamook Bay Area “Fish-A-Long” event at the Oregon Coast for the weekend of March 23rd & 24th. About 25 ANWS members fished the Trask, Wilson and Nestucca Rivers from drift boats and the riverbanks. Some participants without boats were matched up with several drift boat captains while others fished at pre-selected bank fishing locations. A good time appeared to be had by all and a total of three Wild Steelhead were landed, photographed and released by some very happy Steelheaders.

Mark your calendar for the North Santiam River Guides next “Learn the River” Trip  During most Spring and Summer months, the North Santiam River Guides Association offers free “Learn the River” trips on the first Saturday of each month which are open to the public. The next trip is scheduled to run from Mehama to Stayton on Saturday, May 4th. So, if you’re a drift boat or rafting enthusiast who would like to learn more about drifting the North Santiam, mark your calendar and plan to participate. More information about this and future LTR trips can be found at: https://nsrga.com/

The North Santiam River Guides “Learn the River” Trip from Stayton to Shelburn on April 6th

Second annual Learn to Fish event scheduled for May 11th

The City of Keizer has announced plans to conduct their second annual “Our River – Learn to Fish” event to be held at Keizer Rapids Park on Saturday, May 11th. Last year, several of our members volunteered at the event and we are planning to have a booth at this year’s event. Additional information can be obtained by calling (503) 856-3447 or by going to the link below.

https://www.facebook.com/OurRiverWillamette/

Save the date for the Salem Steelheaders Picnic in July

Plans are currently in the works to hold our Summer Picnic on Saturday, July 13th at Mike Ferris’ home on the North Santiam River in Mill City. Please mark your calendar and plan to attend. Additional details will follow later.

Reminder Notice for Membership Dues

If you need to pay your annual membership dues, attached below 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

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March 2024 Newsletter

Salem Chapter Northwest Steelheaders

Newsletter for March 2024

 

March Membership Meeting includes a presentation by Oregon State Police

Plans for our Membership Meeting on March 19th include a program presentation by Andrew Porter who is an Oregon State Police Trooper. His program on “game enforcement issues” will inform us on how we might be able to help report fish and game violations and turn in poachers. If time permits, Club Secretary Mike Ferris will cover another lesson from the ODFW’s Steelhead 101 Class on “Reading the Water” for Steelhead Habitat.

Local anglers discover a bright spot of Winter fishing success at Detroit Lake

Ray Perez with a 15-inch Rainbow and Lee Harrington with a nice Detroit Lake Kokanee

One recent bright spot on the fishing horizon this Winter has been the Kokanee and Trout fisheries at Detroit Lake. Trips to Detroit Lake between rain and snowstorms last month revealed some consistently good results. Dan Lemke of Mill City also reported catching twenty bright Kokanee Trout with two of his fishing buddies on February 23rd.

Plans for a new park bench in honor of deceased member Jim Kitzhaber are under way

Our Salem Chapter Board of Directors has been working with Past Secretary Bob Johnston and members of Jim Kitzhaber’s family to design and install a park bench in Jim’s memory at Minto Park on Highway 22 near Gates, Oregon. Jim was an active member of our Salem Chapter for many years and regularly participated in our volunteer work at Minto Park.

Tualatin Valley Chapter of ANWS to Host Tillamook Area Fish-A-Long Event

The Tualatin Valley Chapter of the ANWS will be hosting a “Fish-A-Long” event in the Tillamook Bay area on March 23rd and have invited other chapters to participate. Please contact Jeff Hernandez for more information at: jeff.hernandezpdx@gmail.com Phone: 971-404-5793.

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

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February 2024 Newsletter

Salem Chapter Northwest Steelheaders

Newsletter for February 2024

 

February Membership Meeting Plans

Notwithstanding another surprise Winter ice storm, our scheduled meeting program for February 20th includes a presentation by Janine Belleque from the Oregon State Marine Board on boating access. If time allows, we will also continue with our ongoing plans to present another segment of ODFW’s Steelhead 101 Class. Robert Morton has agreed to cover the “Basic Fishing Gear” and “Rods & Reels” portion of the lesson at next Tuesday’s meeting.

Sportmen’s Shows are Scheduled for Portland and Salem

If you find yourself looking for something to do during all the rain and high water this month, you might want to check out the Sportsmen’s Shows coming to Portland and Salem. The Pacific Northwest Sportsmen’s Show is scheduled to be at the Portland Expo Center from February 14th to 18th and the 2024 Saltwater Sportsmen’s Show will be held at the Oregon State Fair and Exposition Center on February 24th and 25th. A few more details are listed above.

Tualatin Valley Chapter of ANWS to Host Tillamook Area Fish-A-Long Event

The Tualatin Valley Chapter of the ANWS will be hosting a “Fish-A-Long” event in the Tillamook Bay area from March 1 – 3 and have invited other chapters to participate. Their plan is to fish some of the local waters including the Wilson and Nestucca Rivers. At last report, there were still a few spots open. The cost is $70.00 per person and includes meals and two nights of “dormitory style” lodging. Please contact Jeff Hernandez for more information at: jeff.hernandezpdx@gmail.com Phone: 971-404-5793

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

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January 2024 Newsletter

Salem Chapter Northwest Steelheaders

Newsletter for January 2024

 

January Membership Meeting Plans

Our scheduled meeting program currently includes a presentation by Janine Belleque from the Oregon State Marine Board on boating access. If time allows, we will also continue with our ongoing plans to present another segment of ODFW’s Steelhead 101 Class. Robert Morton has graciously agreed to cover the “Basic Fishing Gear” and “Rods & Reels” portion of the lesson at next Tuesday’s meeting.

Winter Steelhead Are In the North Santiam…and Here’s the Proof!

On January 1st, Mike and Tony Frolov launched their raft at the Lyons-Mehama Boat Ramp to test the waters of the North Santiam for Winter Steelhead and were well rewarded for their efforts. By the end of the day, they reported hooking nine and landing four big native Winter Steelhead which were promptly photographed and released. The photos below bear witness to a very successful day of fishing.

Tony and Mike Frolov enjoying a very productive New Years’ Day on the North Santiam

 

 

Jim Kitzhaber Obituary Notice

It is with great sadness that we report the passing of our fellow Salem Steelheader, Jim Kitzhaber on November 14th, 2023. Jim was a longtime member and enjoyed attending and participating in our Chapter meetings and events. A website address for his obituary has been provided below and members can view it and leave comments for his family at:

www.weddle-funeral.com/obituaries/James-Kitzhaber?obId=29953637

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

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