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

Salem Chapter Northwest Steelheaders Newsletter for June 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.

Sunday, June 14 is “Flag Day” so let’s break out “Old Glory” and fly her high and proudly. Thank You.  

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 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. We would have to rent a larger room and space seating and to be in compliance with the guidance from the state medical department. I will continue to update you through this newsletter. The Board of Directors will meet in August, and on the 2^Nd of 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 step forward and let us know.  We also need someone to fill the office of secretary. Please.

The taking of your rights: As a Sportsman you may be interested to find someone is trying to limit/ take away your trapping privileges, whether you use them or not.  The Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife Commission will be meeting this Friday. On their agenda, is a ban on beaver trapping: https://oregonoutdoorcouncil.org/odfw-commission-to-vote-on-trapping-ban/  and https://www.sportsmensalliance.org/news/act-now-oregon-game-commission-considering-beaver-trapping-ban/.    The petition is brought by the usual anti-hunting groups: Cascadia Wildlands, The Center for Biological Diversity, Environmental Protection Information Center, Klamath-Siskiyou Wildlands, and Oregon Wild. The hearing is on Friday, August 3 beginning at 8 am in Salem.

The ODFW Family Fishing Days, Youth Outdoor Day, and all other events which involve getting groups together have been canceled. If they are rescheduled, we will pass the information along to you.  ODFW web page: https://www.dfw.state.or.us/news/2020/ 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 .  You state tax dollars at work for you.

NWSH Association News Letter:  I had a talk with the operations manager at the office. I asked if the association newsletter, “hard copy,” was sent to the members without an e-mail address. I was told it was not. I explained that I tried to copy and paste it into an e-mail so I could forward it to our members without e-mail addresses and I could only copy one half of it. I was informed that the association, in an effort to save monies, are not sending out hard copies to members. I stated that they are missing lots of the members. This item will be addressed at the next NWSH Association board meeting. You can find it on line at: https://nwsteelheaders.org/blog/newsletter/

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.
They have 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 a suggested talking points and what we can do to make the chapter more appealing. That would be good.
We have on the listing 164 members, 7 are life members, leaving 157 members current, expiring, and past due, back to 2017. I suggested to the chapter board that we could reduce that number by surveying members back through November 2018. That would give us 113 current, past members to contact. If we contact only members who are due, and past due, it would give us 89 members to survey.
How can we do that?  You folks have stepped up and helped us with the raffle ticket sales. So, I am asking that if you are willing to be on or in charge/coordinator of a calling committee please contact me, via 1. e-mail @ [email protected] or 2. call 503-507-1423; no answer please leave message. NO text please, it does not work on my inexpensive Trac phone. It may take a while to get this organized, but the more of you that are willing to help, the less each individual will have to call.
The chapter will gain: members, contact with folks who may be unhappy with us, input on how we can improve. I am working on restarting this payment to the chapter for each renewal or membership we can generate. When the Assn. canceled the Boat and Raffle ticket sales, the chapter does not have much income. Donations are welcome.  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. Blue.
It also shows some that are closed like “Big Cliff”, but usable if you can carry in a craft. Red.
You may find out if the ramp is open, and maybe some new ones to try.

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

Salem Chapter Northwest Steelheaders Newsletter for May 2020

​We hope you all are doing well, if you got the bug, hope you are getting better.  Trout season in the Santiam River opens on 22 May. I hope. Detroit Lake boat ramps are open, [see note below], some good fishing has been reported.

The chapter meeting for May   is canceled due to the COVID-19 virus, and the closing of the Keizer City Hall.  We hope to have the Kokanee Kid, our April speaker, at another date.

Chapter Presidents Corner:  This is difficult:  Dr. Eric Foley, PhD and fisherman extraordinar, has been our president for the last year or so. He has led the chapter with innovative ideas, brought in speakers of many interests, and kept the chapter on track.
Unfortunately, the college where Eric F. is employed has eliminated his job. Eric’s family resides in Missouri so he will be returning home next week.  He will be missed very much.

Eric extends a Thank You to all the membership for their interest and support of the Salem Chapter Northwest Steelheaders.   We wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

Vice President Rod Ratzlaff will assume 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.

The June meeting with Dave Calhoun, of North West Rods, formally of Fishing the N.W.  He is our prospective speaker as the meeting is still pending. We will let you know as soon as we can.
 
The board of directors are discussing of trying to do this using Zoom.  If you do not have Zoom downloaded, please check it out on “You tube” for instructions on getting and using the program. Installing and using this format is not difficult.
Using Zoom is relatively easy right now as long as you are able to download the file to your computer or portable device. (Tablet or smartphone)  I will drop the directions for how to do this below if it may be of interest to you.  I have even used it to keep in contact with family members that I couldn’t see before. 
Note: This is not mandatory. This is just a potential tool in your toolbox for staying engaged during these odd and uncertain times.
Download Zoom on your computer here (use the first download button): https://zoom.us/download
You can download Zoom on your phone as well, just search for it in the app store. Note: you can use cellular data on a Zoom call (meaning you don’t need wifi), but it may use quite a bit of data. 
1. Watch this video to learn how to join a Zoom meeting. You can listen on the phone also. https://www.youtube.com/embed/hIkCmbvAHQQ?rel=0&autoplay=1&cc_load_policy=1  

The ODFW Family Fishing Days, Youth Outdoor Day, and all other events which involve getting groups together have been canceled. If they are rescheduled, we will pass the information along to you.

The chapter picnic: is still in the planning stage. With the City of Salem housing the homeless at Gateway park temporarily, we may need to find another place in the Salem Keizer area. If you have any suggestions please let a board member know ASAP.

Membership is the life of the chapter:   Without members and their support, we would not have a chapter. We have received a new listing from the association for the month of March. We have some new members and a few others have paid their “Past Due” bills.  We have more past due members than paid up members. I agree that notification of renewal date from the association has not been timely. “SO,” If you have a question about your membership please contact the association office or E-mail me at [email protected] and I will give you an update or a call.  Note:  I want to get this out to you and to do it individually, like last month, but it will take too long. No phone text please.  Thank You.

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. Blue.
It also shows some that are closed like “Big Cliff”, but usable if you can carry in a craft. Red.
You may find out if the ramp is open, and maybe some new ones to try.

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.

Chapter Secretary:   The chapter needs someone to step forward and take this office for the chapter. We will train you; some computer skills would be very helpful.  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. 

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

Salem Chapter North West Steelheaders Newsletter for April 2020

We hope you all are doing well, if you got the bug, hope you are getting better.  Trout season in the Santiam River opens on 22 May. I hope.

The chapter meeting for April is canceled due to the COVID-19 virus, and the closing of the Keizer City Hall.

The May meeting with the Kokanee Kid, as prospective speaker is still pending. We will let you know as soon as we can.

The ODFW Family Fishing Days, Youth Outdoor Day, CCA Banquet and all other events which involve getting groups together have been canceled. If they are rescheduled, we will pass the information along to you. Our chapter picnic is still in the planning stage.

Chapter Presidents Corner:  Fishing report:  Spring Chinook fishing is well underway all through the lower Willamette.  Fishermen have been reporting success from the lower Multnomah Channel all the way up to Oregon City.  Techniques really depend on where in the river you are fishing.  In the lower harbor and Multnomah Channel, fishermen are typically trolling herring, prawn spinners, small 3.5 spinners or even plugs.  These fish will typically be suspended up off of the bottom, so staggering your depths until you find where they are can pay dividends.  Folks that are up near the falls target these fish in a lot of different ways.  You will find people vertically jigging, back bouncing, bobber fishing, back trolling, anchor fishing and in some areas, trolling herring o​_r spinners.  Often the Spring Chinook on the Willamette really like to bite during tide changes.  So be mindful of when in the day that happens and look for a flurry of biters. 
The winter steelhead season has definitely been winding down.  Now, some folks have still been finding some quality fish around as well as some summer steelhead.  These early summer fish are typically great biters.  A lot of the time they are not very picky and will strike most presentations.  With this warm weather we’ve been having, the water temps are getting warmer and hardware or plugs will start to become extremely effective bait choices.  Not to mention that you may very well pick up an aggressive Spring Chinook with both of these techniques. 
Catch and release Sturgeon fishing in the lower Willamette is still a viable option.  These giants love the slow flows of the Portland Harbor area and you can typically find sturgeon congregated in the deeper areas between the St. Johns bridge and Fred’s Marina.  Sand shrimp, Smelt, Herring and Squid are all great bait choices right now. 
Trout fishing has been good for those that have been poking around the local ponds and lakes that surround the Portland Metro area.  ODFW is still withholding when and where they are stocking trout to keep the crowds down and allow social distancing.  With that being said, there are always hold over trout from the previous stocking and popular lakes are continuing to get stocked like they regularly would be.  These fish are going to be quite aggressive and willing participants.  Folks Fishing from their boats will find great success trolling Maglips, Flatfish, Wedding rings or small spinners.  A good plan of attack is to parallel the shoreline of your favorite lake and try to stay just outside of whatever weed beds there are.  Fishermen that will be fishing off the bank will find success casting spinners, spoons, bobbers and bait, or, fishing Night-crawlers or Power-bait off of the bottom.

From  Eric F.—- I got out on Monday 4/13 to try my luck with trout up at Detroit Lake off the dam.  Had a pretty productive afternoon with about 20 or so caught between 2:30 and 5 pm.  Largest was around 13 inches and took home 5 for the frying pan.  

I’m looking at the possibility of having some kind for Zoom meeting for the board and possibly the chapter. If you would be interested in still checking in this way, please drop me note to my email, [email protected].  
Using Zoom is relatively easy right now as long as you are able to download the file to your computer or portable device.(Tablet or smartphone)  I will drop the directions for how to do this below if it may be of interest to you.  I have even used it to keep in contact with family members that I couldn’t see before. 
Note: This is not mandatory. This is just a potential tool in your toolbox for staying engaged during these odd and uncertain times.
Download Zoom on your computer here (use the first download button): https://zoom.us/download
You can download Zoom on your phone as well, just search for it in the app store. Note: you can use cellular data on a Zoom call (meaning you don’t need wifi), but it may use quite a bit of data. 
1.Watch this video to learn how to join a Zoom meeting https://www.youtube.com/embed/hIkCmbvAHQQ?rel=0&autoplay=1&cc_load_policy=1

I hope that all of you are safe and spending some good time social distancing but enjoying the outdoors as well. Eric Foley

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.

Membership is the blood of the chapter. Without members and their support, we would not have a chapter. We have received a new listing from the association for the month of March. We have some new members, and a few others have paid their “Past Due” bills.  We have more past due members than paid up members. I agree that notification of renewal date from the association has not been timely. “SO,” I am sending this newsletter to each member with your individual renewal date noted and a renewal form for members past due.  Please take a few minutes to fill out the form and send it in with a check or credit card information for the new renewal amount the association address noted on the form. Thank you.

Your membership expires or expired on:  You should be good for a while, Thank You for your help and support.

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/

Chapter Secretary:   The chapter needs someone to step forward and take this office for the chapter. We will train you; some computer skills would be very helpful.  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. 

Submitted:                                                                                     Approved:
Bob Johnston                                                                                 Eric Foley
Sec. Ret.                                                                                          President

UPDATE: Just got this from a new member;
My name is Dylan and I am a new member to the Salem chapter, and a new member to NW Steelheaders in general.

Upper north Santiam has some fish throughout, also this is the best time of year to observe big wild fish getting ready to spawn at the base of Big Cliff dam. Just yesterday (4/20) I saw 10+ steelhead in the first main tailout below the dam.  There a few opportunities below the deadline that they like to stack in. Beads, swung flies, jigs, all seem to do the trick.

Three Rivers still has some decent fishing, a few bright fish around (mostly wild) but mostly re-bright fish and spawners.  Thanks, Look forward to meeting everyone and the next chapter meeting.  Tight lines! Dylan.

Salem Chapter Newsletter

13 February 2020

We hope you have all of your gear ready for some cold, wet, winter and spring fishing.

Note: Sorry to report a long-time member of the Salem Chapter Chap Milbank has passed on 13 Feb.20.

Note: Jim Sallee is requesting more assistance at the Northwest Steelheaders booth at the Albany Sport’s Show this weekend (Saturday the 15^th and Sunday the 16^th). The Steelheaders run a kid’s fishing tank and help them catch trout. I understand this is late notice but any help would be so much appreciated! If you are interested in helping, please contact Jim Sallee: [email protected] (541) 905-5495

Chapter President: At the January board meeting Eric Foley volunteered to assume the office of Chapter President until the elections are held. Eric F. has some new goals that, with your help and participation, will make this an attractive chapter to all fishermen and others who want to be fishermen.

Chapter Secretary: The chapter needs someone to step forward and take this office for the chapter. We will train you; some computer skills would be very helpful.

Membership Report Information: You should have received by email or snail-mail a letter with the information the Assn. has for you on their listing. We asked you to verify that it is up to date. Also, your membership expiration date was noted. It there are any corrections please contact the NWS Assn. office at: 6641 S.E. Lake Road Milwaukie, Or 97222-2162 PH: 503-653-4176. We included the NEW renewal form with the NEW prices. You may send the payment to the office, or give it to Linda C. at the next meeting. Bob J. will have a copy of the new listing at the meeting.

January Speaker: We featured Matt Halseth, a fisherman and river guide, to speak at the meeting. Matt had lots of good information on fishing the Santiam, coastal rivers and more. Congratulations to John Fery as he won the seat in Matt’s boat for a future trip. The Assn. is not holding raffles this year. Please support our raffles as they are our main source of income for the chapter.

February Speaker: John Spangler-Fisheries Biologist for the Mid-Coast Newport, OR. will be our speaker for the evening. John has been on the mid-coast for the past 26 years, 27+ years with ODFW. He plans to speak on: some general fish abundance/harvest graphs of the major species, Chinook, Coho, Steelhead, the winter steelhead broodstock programs and how they are working, some results of the steelhead angler vulnerability study (id biter study) and an idea of what’s to come over the next couple years. The Mid-coast district runs from the Salmon River on the north through Tahkenitch Lake on the south and from the beach to crest of the coast range. A lot of you fish this area. Please come and give John a warm Salem Steelheaders welcome.

Future speakers: President Eric F. has scheduled the following presenters:
March 17^th.—Brandon Glass, Team Hook-up Guide Service. Will talk about spinner fishing and more.
Mark your calendars and please plan to attend your chapter meetings.
 If you have the knowledge and motivation to present a class or be our speaker for a meeting, let a board member know. If you have a subject you would like to see/hear covered please let us know. Note: If you feel compelled to carry on a conversation with your table-mate while the speaker is talking, PLEASE leave the room until you are done. Members come to hear the speakers, not you.

New Licenses for 2020: If you want a paper license, the Sportsman’s Warehouse will print them out on “waterproof” paper for a minimal charge of 50 cents. They also have the ability so shrink the size of the paper license.

Upcoming events: Would you like to help organize: a Spring fishing trip for chapter members; a trip to the Albany Sportsman’s shows, [14-16 Feb], (members may want to go as a group?); Youth Outdoor Day at Camp Adair; fishing ponds at the Capitol Mall for kids; and Park Clean Up are some of the programs you can help your chapter do. Let us know.

NWSH Assn. Family Fish Camp: Family Fish Camp is for all families who want to learn fishing skills while staying overnight at cozy Camp Angelos on the Sandy River on March 13-15^th… Passionate anglers with years of experience will teach you the basics, and your family will have the opportunity to spend time together outdoors alongside new friends. Information is at: www.facebook.com/pg/NorthwestSteelheaders/events

Learn the River Trips: The chapter and the North Santiam River Guides team up to show boaters the best routes to take when floating the Santiam River. There are four trips planed: Tentative LTR dates: March 2020 Shelburn to I-5 Rest Area. This trip may start at Green’s Bridge instead. April 2020 Mehama to Shelburn, May 2020 Fisherman’s Bend to Mahama, June 2020 Pack Saddle to Mehama. Bob Lusk announced parking at Shelburn Ramp will be open for both the trips and parking has been arranged. As the trips move upstream, they become more technical to navigate. More information to follow. Schedule changes are to get the trips done before the middle of June.

ODFW Reports: The winter steelhead season is well underway. Recent rains have dispersed fish throughout the basins on the coast and in the Willamette Valley. The key to winter fishing is to keep an eye on water levels and fish when they are dropping.  In the north coast, rain Tuesday night spiked water levels but several rivers should be fishable, if high, by the weekend.  Fishing has been picking up on the Siletz and Siuslaw, which should be in good shape for the weekend  On the south coast, check out the Applegate, Illinois, Rogue and Umpqua for some good weekend fishing.  In the Willamette Valley, the Sandy and Clackamas may still be running high this weekend, but the Molalla might be just right.

New Recreational Crab Gear Marking Rule: Effective January 1, 2020, surface buoys used to mark recreational crab pots or rings must be marked in a visible, legible, and permanent manner with information clearly identifying the owner of the crab pots or rings. The identifying information must include first and last name or business name AND at least one of the following: (a) Permanent address; (b) Phone number; (c) Angler Identification number; or (d) A vessel identification number.

Project Healing Waters: A Veterans assistance program. This program is designed to get our veterans involved with fishing by teaching the basics, making equipment and lures, and then taking them fishing in all different areas of the state. A program worthy of consideration of your support.

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

Submitted:                  Approved:
Bob Johnston              Eric Foley
Sec. Ret.                      President