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 19^th 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 23^rd.

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 23^rd and have invited other chapters to participate. Please contact Jeff Hernandez for more information at: [email protected] 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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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 24^th and 25^th. 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: [email protected] 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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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 1^st, 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 14^th, 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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Salem Chapter Northwest Steelheaders

Newsletter for December 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reminder Notice for Membership Dues

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

Linda Chezem – Treasurer

663 Rockwood St. SE , Salem, OR. 97306

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

Submitted by Mike Ferris

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

Salem Chapter Northwest Steelheaders

Newsletter for October 2023

October meeting plans include election of Salem Chapter Officers for 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reminder Notice for Membership Dues

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

Linda Chezem – Treasurer

663 Rockwood St. SE , Salem, OR. 97306

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

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

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

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

Thank You! Bob J.

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

Salem Chapter Northwest Steelheaders
Newsletter for September 2023

Plans for Our September Membership Meeting Include Officer Nominations for 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Submitted by Mike Ferris
Salem Chapter Secretary

Salem Chapter Northwest Steelheaders

Newsletter for June 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Club Picnic Date Set for July 8^th

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

Future Summer Meeting Schedule

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

Many Thanks to G.I. Wilson and Jo Wilson

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

Reminder Notice for Membership Dues

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

Linda Chezem – Treasurer

663 Rockwood St. SE , Salem, OR. 97306

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

Submitted by Mike Ferris

Salem Chapter Secretary

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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