Salem Chapter Northwest Steelheaders

Newsletter for February 2026

Next Membership Meeting Planned for February 17th

The agenda for our next meeting will be a planning session for two possible activities involving our Chapter’s participation during 2026. The first is our having a Salem Steelheaders’ booth at the Rickreall Gun and Sportsman’s Show on March 21^st & 22^nd. This event will be a great opportunity for us to meet prospective new members and will require volunteers to staff our booth over the duration of this two-day event. Secondly, we are looking at the possibility of hosting a Steelhead 101 Class with the ODFW in May of this year. We successfully hosted this class a few years ago and it will also depend on multiple volunteers from our club to assist with the different instruction duties involved with the class.

Please plan to attend and provide your input for this important planning session. We will look forward to seeing you there!

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:

Association of Northwest Steelheaders

P.O. Box 55400

Portland, OR. 97238

Submitted by

Mike Ferris

Salem Chapter Secretary

Salem Chapter Northwest Steelheaders

Newsletter for January 2026

Next Membership Meeting Planned for January 20th

As of press time, there was no program or guest speaker scheduled for the meeting.

Army Corp of Engineers Meeting for Detroit Lake Deep Drawdown well attended by ANWS

Salem Chapter Secretary, Mike Ferris and member, Glenn Tadina get the “low down” on the Army Corp’s latest plans for a drawdown on Detroit Lake scheduled to begin in Fall 2026

A public meeting held on December 10^th by the Army Corp of Engineers about their plans to initiate a deep drawdown of Detroit Lake in the Fall of 2026 was attended by four members of our Salem Chapter as well as our ANWS Executive Director, James Adkins. The rationale given for the drawdown by the ACE is to provide safe escapement for endangered juvenile Chinook Salmon and Steelhead from Detroit Reservoir. According to their revised plan, the drawdown would begin in the Fall of 2026 and take place in steps over the following three years. The Corp explained that drawing the lake down gradually over a longer time period would result in less sediment at the bottom of the lake being washed into the North Santiam River and cause less damage to public drinking water systems and fish. A more detailed description of the Corp’s plan is contained in the following document.

More information about the planned drawdown of the Detroit Lake Reservoir is available at:

WVS EIS website: https://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/WVS-EIS/

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:

Association of Northwest Steelheaders

P.O. Box 55400

Portland, OR. 97238

Submitted by

Mike Ferris

Salem Chapter Secretary

Salem Chapter Northwest Steelheaders

Newsletter for December 2025

Army Corp of Engineers Plan Public Meetings for 2026 Detroit Lake Drawdown

A recent article published by Zach Urness in the Salem Statesman Journal reported that there are two in-person public meetings scheduled by the Army Corp of Engineers about the planned drawdown of Detroit Lake in the Fall of 2026. The meetings will be held on Wednesday, December 10^th at 12:00 noon and 5:30 PM. Both meetings will be held in the Broadway Commons Building in Salem located at 1300 Broadway St. N.E. in Room 307.

Plans for December 16^th Membership Meeting Include a Holiday Potluck Dinner

In keeping with our usual tradition, our next meeting will include a potluck dinner featuring a delicious baked ham provided by Past Secretary Bob Johnston. Bob reports that he has a firm commitment from “Hammus Alabammus” to be our featured main course and guest of honor. We also anticipate a visit from “Salmon Claus” who will bring his smoked salmon dip and crackers as a contribution to the festivities. If you haven’t signed up yet and would like to attend, please contact Linda Chezem at: hummingbyrds@msn.com and let us know what you might be able to contribute with an appetizer, side dish or dessert.

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

Salem Chapter Northwest Steelheaders

Newsletter for November 2025

Next Membership Meeting Scheduled for November 18th

Plans for our November 18th membership meeting include two Alaska fishing trip slideshow presentations. One by President Jay Wylie from his Summer fishing trip to Craig, Alaska and a second from Secretary Mike Ferris covering his last trip to Coffman Cove, Alaska. We hope to see you there!

Jay Wylie and Mike Ferris will each present slideshows of their recent fishing trips to Alaska

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

Salem Chapter Northwest Steelheaders

Newsletter for October 2025

Next Membership Meeting Scheduled for October 21st

Recently updated plans for our October 21st membership meeting include a presentation by Kayla Thompson, State CERT Coordinator with the Oregon Department of Emergency Preparedness. We hope to see you there!

September Meeting Program by O.S.U. Extension Services on Food Preservation Methods

At our September membership meeting, we were provided with an informative program by three very knowledgeable volunteers from Oregon State University Extension Services on various food preservation methods including freezing, canning, pickling and smoking. They also provided us with many printed handouts for our future reference and we learned some useful information about preserving fruits, vegetables, meat and fish.

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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Salem Chapter Northwest Steelheaders

Newsletter for September 2025

Next Membership Meeting Scheduled for September 16th

Plans for our September 16^th monthly membership meeting include a presentation by an O.S.U. Extension Services volunteer on food preservation methods.

Drift Boat Gets Stuck at Mill City Falls

On the afternoon of August 8^th, it was reported that a drift boat became stuck at Mill City Falls. Zach Urness of the Salem Statesman Journal covered the story in the August 11^thedition of the newspaper and reported that first responders located “two adult males standing on the bow of a submerged drift boat pinned between rocks at the top edge of the falls.” Rescue teams used two rafts below the waterfall and successfully brought both men to shore.

Medics evaluated them for cold water exposure, but both were wearing a life jacket and nobody was injured, the release said. Many community partners were involved in the rescue including the Marion County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol, the Lyons Fire Department, Salem Fire Department, Keizer Fire Department, Jefferson Fire Department and the employees at eNRG Kayaking in Mill City. As of press time on September 10^th, the boat was still lodged between the two large boulders at the falls.

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

Salem Chapter Northwest Steelheaders

Newsletter for June 2025

Reminder for Minto Fish Trap Tour on June 16^th

Please be reminded of our plans to tour the ODFW Fish Trap facility from 9:00 to 10:00 AM on Monday, June 16th. Salem Chapter Member John Hercher has made arrangements with ODFW Manager, Greg Grembrenner for ten of us to see the inner workings of the fish trap and hatchery facilities located just east of Gates, Oregon near Packsaddle Park. Please contact John Hercher at: 971-209-5936 or johnhercher@gmail.com if you would like to sign up for the tour. As of press time, there were still two open spots available.

Next Membership Meeting Scheduled for June 17th

Plans for our June 17^th meeting include a presentation by Brian Paulsen from the Oregon State Marine Board on Boating Safety and the “Changing Dynamics for Outfitters and Guides in Oregon.” Please note that this will be our last monthly membership meeting until September 16^th as there are no meetings scheduled in July or August.

Plans are in the works for the Salem Chapter Picnic on July 12^th in Mill City

At our last Board meeting, it was decided to schedule our Summer Picnic at the residence of Mike Ferris on Saturday, July 12^th. The address for the location is: 210 Santiam Pointe Loop N.E., Mill City, Oregon 97360. We also plan to circulate a “signup sheet” for the potluck portion of the menu at our next membership meeting on June 17^th. The main entrees will include hamburgers and hotdogs provided by the Club. Please plan to attend the meeting and sign up. If you are unable to attend the meeting but would still like to go to the picnic, please contact Linda Chezem with information about your planned contribution to the potluck at: 503-510-2942 or hummingbyrds@msn.com The picnic lunch will begin at 12:00 noon and you are also welcome to bring your fishing rod to “test the waters” behind Mike’s house for Steelhead from the bank from 10:00 AM until noon.

North Santiam River Guides Association “Learn the River Trip” Held on June 7^th

Members of the North Santiam River Guides Association conducted their latest “Learn the River Trip” on Saturday, June 7^th and covered the stretch of river from Mehama to Stayton. Participating in the float were Salem Chapter members Bob Johnston, Larry Bond, Dave Getner and Mike Ferris. Bob Johnston faithfully provides shuttle service for all the participants at these events.

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

Salem Chapter Northwest Steelheaders

Newsletter for May 2025

Next Membership Meeting Scheduled for May 20th

Our May 20^th meeting will feature a program by Bernie Hoene, one of our own members, about the “Take a Veteran Fishing” organization and their annual event at Odell Lake. TAVF is a 501-C3 organization and their primary focus is interacting with veterans contemplating suicide or dealing with PTSD issues. This event is their 14^th year in operation and will be held at the Shelter Cove Resort & Marina on the weekend of July 11^th & 12^th. Bernie has proudly served as the President of TAVF for the past ten years.

Bernie Hoene fishing on Odell Lake. More information about the TAVF Program is available at: takeaveteranfishingatatodelllake.org

Dinner Party to Benefit Salem Free Clinics on April 25th a Success

Many thanks to our members who participated in the “Steelhead Party” for the benefit of Salem Free Clinics on April 25^th at the All Good Things Restaurant in Aumsville. The event was attended by 21 people including members of the Salem Steelheaders, North Santiam River Guides Association, Mid-Willamette Valley Anglers Club and the Oregon Coastal Conservation Association. Several donations including $500 in cash were raised at the event. The volunteers and staff of Salem Free Clinics are very grateful for the support which they received.

“Learn to Fish” Event Held at Keizer Rapids Park on May 10^th

The third annual “Learn to Fish” event hosted by the City of Keizer was held at Keizer Rapids Park on Saturday, May 10^th. A total of 54 kids with their family members attended and learned many new fishing related skills at six volunteer staffed stations. Volunteers from our Salem Steelheaders Chapter helped to staff the “Knot-Tying and Rigging Station” and included Bob Johnston, Larry Bond and Mike Ferris.

The “Knot-Tying and Rigging” Station at the City of Keizer’s Our River – Learn to Fish Event

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

Salem Chapter Northwest Steelheaders

Newsletter for April 2025

Next Membership Meeting Scheduled for April 15th

Plans for our April membership meeting include an overview from Jenny Ammon with the City of Keizer about the “Learn to Fish” event scheduled for May 10^th in Keizer Rapids Park. As in previous years, our Salem Chapter is planning to volunteer at our booth that day from 7:30 to 11:30 AM. Please contact Nigel Hearne or Mike Ferris if you would like to volunteer.

ANWS Tualatin Valley Chapter Fish-Along held on March 22 & 23

The Tualatin Valley Chapter hosted their annual Tillamook Area Fish-Along on March 22^nd and 23^rd. The weather was wet and most of the rivers were too high and muddy to fish but that didn’t stop Salem Chapter members Nigel Hearne, Bernie Hoene and Mike Ferris from participating in the event. The boys from Salem gave it their best shot in spite of the weather and managed to fish the Kilchis River both days. They didn’t catch much but they learned a lot.

Pictured above are Nigel Hearne, Bernie Hoene & Mike Ferris of the Salem Chapter and Darrel Barnes & Doug Yap of the Tualatin Valley Chapter fishing the Kilchis River

Dinner Party Event to Benefit Salem Free Clinics Set for April 25^th

A dinner party to celebrate Steelhead fishing and raise funds for Salem Free Clinics is scheduled for Friday, April 25^th from 5:30 to 8:00 PM at the All Good Things Restaurant (formerly Neufeldt’s) in Aumsville. All Salem Steelheader members are invited to attend along with members of the North Santiam River Guides Association, Mid-Willamette Valley Anglers Club and the Oregon Coastal Conservation Association. Please see the event flyer and invitation below for additional details and information.

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

Salem Chapter Northwest Steelheaders

Newsletter for March 2025

Next Membership Meeting Scheduled for March 18th

Plans for our March membership meeting program include a 32-minute video recently procured by member Nigel Hearne titled “Wild Broodstock – Change in the Right Direction.”

This video is part of the “Hatchery and Wild Coexist” initiative we learned about a few years ago and does a great job of covering the details and success of the Wild Broodstock Program.

https://hatchery-wild-coexist.com/

Spring Chinook Have Arrived in the Willamette

On Sunday, March 9^th, Johnny and Clay Huffman of Portland tested the waters of the Multnomah Channel on the Willamette River for Spring Chinook and landed this bright Hatchery Springer. The story here is that they forgot their landing net at home but still managed to “tail” this beautiful fish on their first attempt. Great job guys!

Salem Chapter Participating in ANWS Membership Drive

Please remember to bring a prospective member to one of our next two meetings. During the months of March and April, Salem Chapter members are encouraged to bring a fishing buddy to a meeting as a prospective recruit. In April, there will be a special raffle drawing for a fishing rod for both new members and their hosts. The ANWS is providing these rods to encourage membership growth during the drive.

ANWS Tualatin Valley Chapter Fish-Along to be held on March 22 & 23

The Tualatin Valley Chapter is hosting a Tillamook Area Fish-Along during the weekend of March 22^nd and 23^rd and Salem members are invited to participate. Please contact Nigel Hearne at: nigel.e.hearne@gmail,com for additional information.

Some Sad News…

We are saddened to report the passing of longtime Salem Steelheader, G.I. Wilson on February 16, 2025. G.I. was a valued member of our club and will be missed but fondly remembered by all who knew him. A memorial service has been scheduled for 1:00 PM on Saturday, March 15^th at the 50+ Center located at: 2615 Portland Road N.E. in Salem.

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