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

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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

Salem Chapter Northwest Steelheaders Newsletter

for December 2022

Program plans for December 20^th include a potluck dinner and Alaska fishing slideshow

Alaska Fishing Trip

In keeping with our usual Holiday tradition, our next membership meeting will feature a delicious Holiday ham donated by our loveable Past Chapter Secretary, Bob Johnston. So far, 21 people have signed up to attend and bring various yummy side dishes and desserts. All things considered, it should be a great dinner meeting. Plans for a program after dinner currently include a fishing slideshow tour of Coffman Cove, Alaska presented by Mike Ferris, our Salem Chapter Secretary. Several of our members have joined us on this trip in the past and here is a small sample of what you can expect to see:

Salem Chapter V.P. Rod Ratzlaff and members Larry Bond & Arden Corey showing off the results of their fishing adventures in Coffman Cove, Alaska on Prince of Wales Island

Embroidered ANWS Logo Patches are on the way!

The latest word from our Executive Director, Jason Wedemeyer, is that an order of embroidered patches bearing the Association of Northwest Steelheaders logo is on its way. Patches will be available for purchase at a price of $8.00 to any interested members. Please stay tuned for further developments.

Our Next Board of Directors Meeting is Scheduled for January 4th

As usual, our Board of Directors welcomes all 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

Salem Chapter Northwest Steelheaders Newsletter for November 2022

Program Speaker for November 15^th

The latest word is that we will have a representative from the Garmin Company as the program speaker for our November 15^th meeting. As of “press time,” no further details were available.

So just how bad has the Salmon fishing been this Fall?…

The short answer is, it’s so bad we’ve decided to go crabbing instead! To stave off the boredom which normally goes with fishing and not catching anything, Salem Chapter member Nigel Hearne decided to try something new this year.

Salem Chapter Members Nigel Hearne and Mike Ferris on a crabbing trip to Nestucca Bay

Since he had never been crabbing before, he consulted with Club Secretary, Mike Ferris in October about how to catch Dungeness crabs. After a well-oiled Happy Hour discussion on the finer points of rigging and baiting crab traps they planned a trip to the Oregon Coast on November 3rd to test the waters of Nestucca Bay near Pacific City.

They arrived at the boat launch about one hour before slack high tide and soon had their traps baited up and soaking in a few strategically selected spots. After less than two hours of pulling pots, each landed their limit of twelve “keeper sized” male Dungeness crabs and were back at the boat ramp cleaning and cooking their catch before noon…Try that fishing for salmon or steelhead! Anyway, a good time was had by all, and Nigel and Mike are now in discussions with the Salem Chapter Board of Directors, about ways to provide a similar experience for some of the rest of our members.

The goal of this idea would be to match up our members who own towing vehicles and boats with members who don’t. A thirsty pick-up truck can suck up most of a $100 bill on a round trip to the Oregon Coast but, if you have a generous crabbing partner with some cash come along, everybody can win when the final expenses are totaled and split. At a minimum, watching one of your fellow Steelheaders jumping around in the boat with an angry Dungeness crab hanging onto various parts of their anatomy can be a great source of entertainment!

For future consideration, here are a few good crabbing tides at the Oregon Coast over the next couple of months: November 21^st through 27^th and December 5^th through 13^th

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

As usual, our Board of Directors welcomes all 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

Salem Chapter Northwest Steelheaders Newsletter for October 2022

Program Speaker for October 18^th is Jason Wedemeyer – ANWS Executive Director

The program for our October 18^th membership meeting will feature a visit from our new Director of the Association of Northwest Steelheaders. Jason Wedemeyer will let us know what’s going on with our parent organization and be available to take our questions and suggestions about its future direction. Please plan to attend and bring your questions and recommendations.

Looking for a Good Deal on a Downrigger?

Thanks to a generous donation by one of our Salem Chapter members, our club will have two manual Cannon downriggers available for sale at the October 18^th meeting. Kokanee season will be here again before you know it so plan to be ready when it arrives. The “asking price” is $40.00 each which is a small fraction of what you might expect to pay for a new one. Please see Chapter Treasurer, Linda Chezem for more details.

Outriggers

Our Next Board of Directors Meeting is Scheduled for November 2nd

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

Reminder Notice for Membership Dues

If you have not yet paid 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

Salem Chapter Northwest Steelheaders Newsletter

for September 2022

                               

Membership Meeting on September 20th is “Pizza Night”  

Given that the last regular membership meeting prior to our summer break was held on June 21st, we don’t have a program speaker lined up for this month. That being the case, the best we can do is serve up some pizza and ask everyone to bring a good “fish story” to the meeting.  Also, please let us know what topics and program speakers you might like to see at our futuremeetings.  Please bring your fish stories, program ideas and a big appetite to the meeting.  So that we can order enough pizza, please RSVP to Mike Ferris – Club Secretary by September 18th at: [email protected] or call or text Mike at:  971-273-3422.  We look forward to seeing you at the meeting!

Our Next Board of Directors Meeting is Scheduled for October 5th

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

Reminder Notice for 2022 Membership Dues

If you have not yet paid your annual membership dues for 2022, 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