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

We are writing and asking for your help us to catch us up on some administrative things.

First, the Portland Sportsman’s show is scheduled to be held in Portland on 5-9 February, 2020. The N.W. Steelheaders Assn. will have a booth to inform and recruit Attendees to join our Association. If you plan to attend and would like to help, please contact the Association office at 1-503-653-4176. The E-mail for the office is: [email protected], but it may not be working at this time.
Coupons for a discount on the admission may be available at Bi-Mart, Sportsman’s Warehouse and other places.

Second: The Albany Sportsman’s Show is scheduled for 14-16 Feb at the Linn County Expo Center in Albany. President Eric Foley suggested maybe some members would like to go as a group and car pool. Let us know if you are interested. 

Third:  You are receiving this because our new listing of members shows you are, or were a member of this chapter in August 2018. 
We know the association notification of membership expiration dates and reminders may not have been received by members in a timely manner. 
We know some members may have just forgotten to renew, had a change in contact information or a name change. Some have dropped their membership.

So, we are sending you the information we have for you on our current listing, individually.  Please review this information, if it is correct do nothing. If you are past due and want to continue your membership, [all memberships are $30.00 a year], please sent your payment to: Association of Northwest Steelheaders 6641 SE Lake Road, Milwaukee, OR 97222-2161, or bring your money to the next chapter meeting on the 18^Th of Feb. Please see Linda C. or Robert M.

If you need to update your contact information, please E-Mail Bob J. at [email protected] with changes. DO NOT Text Bob. He may not get it.

Thank You, Board of Directors Salem Chapter N.W. Steelheaders.

Salem Chapter Newsletter January 2020

We hope you had a fun, safe holiday season and have all of your gear ready for some cold, wet, winter and spring fishing.

Chapter President: Michael Tucker has been our president and he has taken employment that is not allowing him to continue in that office. At the January board meeting Eric Foley volunteered to assume the office of Chapter President pro-tem until the elections are held. A Big Thank You to both gentleman as they have worked hard to keep and make this chapter viable and their dedication is truly appreciated.

Chapter Secretary and a Web Master: The chapter needs someone to step forward and take these offices for the chapter. We will train you; some computer skills would be very helpful.

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.

December Meeting and Dinner: Thank You to all the members who attended and provided another delicious dinner. If you did not get your fill, it is your own fault. Our guest speakers were Alan Fitzpatrick and Kent Toomb from Project Healing Waters 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.

January Speaker: We have scheduled Matt Halseth, a fisherman and river guide, to speak at the meeting. Matt has lots of good information on fishing the Santiam, coastal rivers and more. Please plan to attend. We will be raffling off a seat in Matt’s new boat for a future fishing trip. You may also win some very nice prizes by buying a raffle ticket. The money helps support your Salem Chapter.

Future speakers: President Eric F. has scheduled the following presenters:
Feb.—John Spangler-Fisheries Biologist for the Mid-Coast Newport, OR.
March—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.

NWSH Assoc. 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. 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.

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.

Upcoming events: Would you like to help organize: a Spring fishing trip for chapter members; a trip to the Portland, [6-9 Feb, and 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.

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 today so hopefully; we’ll be able to get in contact with all of our membership.

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

Salem Chapter Newsletter December 2019

We hope you are getting ready for the holidays and have all of your gear ready for some cold, wet, fishing.

November Meeting Speaker:  Thank you to all the members who attended our November meeting. Our two guests were very appreciative and so was the board members.  Chris Hager, the new Executive Director, gave us a good insight into the goals and objectives he has set for the Assoc. of NW Steelheaders. We also explored problem areas the chapter is experiencing with the Association.  Long time Salem Steel header, G.I. Wilson, was there to promote his new book “Bear Crushes Dad,” short stories about fishing and hunting. G.I. is an award-winning author and frequently has articles in Salmon & Steelhead magazine.  His book is very humorous. We can put you in contact with him if you missed a chance to get your copy or one for your fishing buddies. 

Christmas Dinner on 17 December meeting and dinner:  At the December meeting we will have our fabulous dinner and meeting. The chapter will provide the ham and turkey, soft beverages, tableware, and members will bring the side dishes. We had a signup sheet at the November meeting.  I was not asking for you to choose ham or turkey or to bring some, we have that covered, just bring a side dish. Suggestions are welcome. Past dinners have been outstanding and lots of fun. The drawing will be different: all attending will be given a ticket “at no cost” and drawings will be made for some very nice prizes.  Dinner starts at 7:00 p.m. on 17 December 2019.
Members who did not get an opportunity to sign up, please do so ASAP with Linda C. at 503-393-0212, [please leave a message] or [email protected] and tell us who you are, how many will be attending and what you plan on bringing. We need to plan for the seating for everyone.

Guest speakers: for the evening will be: Alan Fitzpatrick and Kent Toomb from Project Healing Waters.  This program is designed to get our veterans involved with fishing, by teaching the basics, making equipment and lures, then taking them fishing in all different areas of the state. This is not just for the older veterans. They include the younger men and women who have served and returned [there are more than you may realize] that may need some comradely with other veterans to get out of their shell and help them on a road to find some fun in their life. Please come out and have a good meal and learn how you may assist in this very worthwhile project.

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.

ODFW: Commission hears testimony on wild winter steelhead retention in southwest Oregon. The Commission will consider a petition to prohibit the retention of wild winter steelhead on all rivers in the SW Zone next month at its Jan. 17 meeting in Salem.
On this subject the Assoc. Legislative representative, Mr. Bob Olsen, sent the following: Greetings; Yesterday a couple dozen native fish activists/ guides from the southern Oregon coastal area went before the commission insisting on a temporary rule that would limit all native steelhead fishing to catch and release, in their part of the state. Partly because neither the pro or con side of the issue has yet offered good science and data, the largely new commission has postponed work on this subject until January. I suspect the commission staff will eventually recommend any justified restrictions should be imposed through changes in the existing conservation recovery plan.
It should also be noted the agency’s budget advisory committee will soon be receiving information about budget adjustments. The legislature will hold a short session early next year and we should soon be seeing some policy proposals of interest to ANWS. Please let me know if your chapter has policy questions or important political news to share. 
Bob J. said, “You have to keep an eye on the legislative issues or we will not have fish or guns.”

January Speaker: We have scheduled Matt Halseth, a fisherman and river guide, to speak at that meeting. Matt has lots of good information on fishing the Santiam, coastal rivers and more. Please plan to attend.

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.

  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.

P.S. If you know someone who has joined this chapter and is not getting the newsletter, please have them contact Bob J. We are working off an old membership listing. Thank You.

Submitted:                                                Approved:
Bob Johnston                                           Michal Tucker
Sec. Ret.                                                    President
Go Navy Beat Army.

Salem Chapter Newsletter 15 May 2019

Ladies, gentlemen, and fishermen of all ages— On behalf of our President, Mike Tucker, and the members of the board of directors, we wish you a Very Happy Memorial Day. “Tell me and I will forget. Show me and I may not remember, Involve me, and I will understand”. An old Indian lesson given to young braves. Maybe this fits the mission of our chapter.

Paper Fishing Licenses: Some of us do not have “smart phone [?] Doohickeys” to hold and display our government issued fishing licenses and other stuff. We found that if you purchase your licenses at Sportsman’s for a 50 cent surcharge they will print it on waterproof paper.

Meeting Date is 21 May. The meeting will be at the Keizer City Hall at 7:00 pm. Our speaker will be Mr. Jason Hambly of Pro-Cure Bait Scents. Jason will be talking about new products and how to use these products on actual eggs and herring. You don’t want to miss this meeting. Other items of interest will be discussed. Please see the attached flyer and bring a friend. The next general meeting will be held on the 18 June 2019. Our speaker will be Mr. Dave Schamp of Hatchery & Wild-Coexist.

“C.R.D.”=Courtesy, Respect, Decorum: Members are requested to show the speakers and other members the Courtesy of listening, Respect for what the speaker is talking about, and maintain Decorum during the presentations so other members can hear what is being presented.

Speaker Openings: The board of directors makes this offer to the membership: we will schedule you as a speaker and you can present your knowledge and experiences to the membership. If you know of someone who you think would provide an informative program on any subject related to fishing, please make it known to a board member.

Association raffle tickets: Thank You to the members who bought tickets at the last meeting. Please bring an extra few bucks and we will sell you some boat tickets.

Our next and last sale date is Saturday 18 May 2019. All we ask for is just three hours of your time: 9:00 a.m.-noon, or noon-3:00 p.m. at the Sportsman’s Warehouse on south Lancaster in Salem. If you can help us please give Bob J. a call at the number listed below.
The raffle tickets are for a Clacka Craft 16’ Old School High Side Drift Boat, $6.00 each or 2 for $10.00 ready to go. This program is a fund raiser for our chapter and the association. We will be selling tickets at the general meetings. Please contact me at e-mail [email protected], PH; 503-507-1424 if you can help, PLEASE LEAVE A MESSAGE if I do not answer.

Chapter Picnic: The board is exploring the option to have the chapter picnic at Salem Cascade Park vs Santiam State Park. [The Santiam State park is now open. The fire damage is “mostly “on the west side of the main road and boat launch area. Walking trails on that side are still closed].
The board is concerned that attendance at this event has been less than expected and maybe by holding it in the Salem area, it will generate more interest and attendance. The date for this event is July 13^th. There is fishing ponds available for you or your family to experience, maybe hold a how to class? And lots of trails and grass available for play. We will have a sign up list at the next general meeting, and please give us your input.

Capitol Fish Pond: Saturday 25 May at the east end of the Capitol Mall, 900 Court Street NE. You will need to be at the pond at 8:00 am, the event goes until noon. This will be a wonderful event and we are hoping for a good turnout! Attached is the flyer so share it with anyone you may know who would be interested in coming out, helping, and/or catching fish! These are the stations we are need to fill: Helping out at the fishing pool (netting, whacking, helping kids, etc.): 5 or more volunteers; Fillet station: 2 volunteers; Backyard bass (casting): 2-4 volunteers; Knot tying: 1-2 volunteers; bugs and fly tying; and a welcome desk (handing out brochures, answering questions, giving out free fishing event info, etc.: 1-2 volunteers. The Steelheaders will be setting up a booth as well and will be manning that. We will have a Sign Up Sheet at the meeting. Please see attached flyer. The event is sponsored by the Oregon Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus and several sporting groups.

Youth Outdoor Day: A program sponsored by ODFW and other organizations where several programs are offered to youngsters of all ages at E.E. Wilson Reserve. We help getting the kids to catch a fish in the ponds. We will need some volunteers to coordinate activities, prepare the fishing poles, reels, fishing gear, and attend the event to help the kids. This event will be held on Saturday June 8, 2019. More information to follow, if you want to help, let us know—signup sheet will be at the next meeting.

Leaburg Hatchery Help: You assistance is needed to help keep the Leaburg Hatchery operating. The Leaburg hatchery is once again at risk.  Anti-hatchery activists are resorting to false claims to oppose state funding of this valuable hatchery.  We need you to CLICK HERE to send your state legislators a pre-drafted letter urging them to fund ODFW’s continued operation of the Leaburg hatchery.  Or you may send a letter in your own words.  
Last year, CCA led the successful effort to secure one-year of state funding for ODFW to continue operating the Leaburg hatchery after the Army Corps of Engineers announced that it would be closed.  The Leaburg hatchery, located east of Eugene and constructed to mitigate for the impact of federal dams in the Willamette River basin, is critical to the future of our fisheries – including efforts to increase production of Willamette River spring Chinook.  It would cost as much as $100 million to construct a new hatchery to replace Leaburg, which is in excellent condition and enjoys a plentiful water supply. We will have more information at the meeting on the 21^st of May.

Replacement for the Secretary and Webmaster: Bob J. announced that he will be retiring from the chapter secretary job that he has had on and off since 2004. We need someone to fill that office. Our Webmaster has resigned his position. If you have any skills in maintaining a web page and posting information and photos to the chapter web page and Facebook we need you. Dave S. will work with you for a smooth transition. If you are interested, please talk with President Matt Tucker or Bob J.

 Have you checked our chapter web page for 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/

Snail Mail: If you are getting this letter in the mail and have an e-mail address PLEASE let us use it to save us money on paper, ink, stamps, and my time and provide us with that information.

Not getting correspondence: If you are not receiving your membership information from the Association please see the secretary, Bob Johnston. We found one member who was listed in another chapter. A lot of the phone numbers we have in the listing are not correct.

Membership renewals: We have some members with expired memberships. We are trying to keep our membership renewals current so please check your membership card to see if you may have missed your notification. NOTE: when you renew, you need to indicate if you want to be reminded about your membership by snail mail, if you do not so indicate you will receive renewals by e-mail. If you need more information please contact Bob J., Robert M. or Linda C. at a meeting or give him a call at 503-507-1424. No answers please leave a message.

At our meetings we have an “open seat board”: The board has a listing of people who want to go fishing and people who have an open seat in the boat to hook up. Check it out; you may meet a new fishing buddy or someone to help you manage/ballast your boat.

We have some new members who want to learn to fish for steelhead and want to fish with you. If you see a new face, please introduce yourself and see what they are interested in or ask us to help you find someone.
Hope to see you at the next meeting; we will start at 7:00 p.m. on 21 May 2019.

Bob Johnston, Chapter Sec. Matt Tucker President

Salem Chapter Newsletter 15 March 2019

Ladies, gentlemen, and fishermen of all ages–this is your chapter newsletter for March 2019. On behalf of our President, Mike Tucker, and the members of the board of directors, we wish you a Very Happy St. Patrick’s day. “As you slide down the banister of life, may the splinters [or fish hooks] never point in the wrong direction!”, an old Irish Blessing, almost.

Meeting Date is March 19th. We are back on schedule. The meeting will be on the 19^th of March 2019 at the Keizer City Hall at 7:00 pm. The next general meeting will be held on the 16^th of April.

Speaker March Meeting: Our guest speaker for March will be the association new Vice President Mr. Ryan Meek. He will speak to us on the new direction that the association is taking, changes in the leadership, new goals and more. The legislature is in session and there are some bills that effect our fishing, hatcheries, salmon and steelhead runs. Mr. Bob Olson, the association lobbyist, will be here to give us an update. Let’s have a big turn out and show them our appreciation for coming to spend some time with us.

“C.R.D.”=Courtesy, Respect, Decorum: Members are requested to show the speakers and other members the Courtesy of listening, Respect for what the speaker is talking about, and maintain Decorum during the presentations so other members can hear what is being presented.

Speaker Openings: The board of directors makes this offer to the membership: we will schedule you as a speaker and you can present your knowledge and experiences to the membership. If you know of someone who you think would provide an informative program on any subject related to fishing, please make it known to a board member.

Keeping Fish Hatcheries Operating: On the 13^th of March, Wednesday, there was an ODFW budget hearing held at the state capitol, “Using Columbia River Basin Endorsement” funds to:
1. Keep the Leaburg Hatchery open and producing fish to stock in our local streams.
2. Using funds to deal with the sea lions in the rivers of the Pacific Northwest.
3. Changing the rules and fees to the Columbia River Basin Endorsement, making it a permanent permit [tax?] to fish for salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon within designated areas of the Northwest, Willamette, Central, Northeast, Southeast, Snake River and Columbia zones. The current agreement has a 5 year sunset clause in it.
4. Change the current agreement to allow the gill netters back in the main stream of the Columbia River and is championed by two members of ODFW Commission whose terms expire in June 2019.
Your chapter was represented by a few Salem members, and several association members. The “CCA” and folks from Leabrug were well represented.

House Bill 3016: This bill was introduced by Representative Sprenger and Senator Girod:

Appropriates money to State Department of Fish and Wildlife for activities related to summer steelhead hatchery production for Santiam River. Declares emergency, effective on passage.
You can view the bill at: https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2019R1/Measures/Overview/HB3016
click on “3016” in the upper left hand corner.
We and other fishing clubs will continue to advocate for increased hatchery funding and production on a statewide basis.  Recent losses of fish at major hatcheries clearly demonstrate the need for additional hatchery maintenance and operations funding. We are tracking specific budgetary needs for the Willamette basin that are vital for fish mitigation and sport fishing opportunity:
Leaburg Hatchery: $1,885,594 to produce 459,000 trout, 108,000 summer steelhead and 260,000 spring Chinook smolts for release in Willamette basin waters each year.
Santiam Hatchery: $400,000 to produce 114,000 summer steelhead each year. This hatchery is frequently overlooked.
If you support our passion, and can be at the Capitol Building not later than 8:00 a.m. in meeting room “E” wearing your N.W. Steelheaders gear, and help fill the room, it will make an impression and gain support. You may sign up to speak, but you only get two minutes and that goes fast. Then drop by your Representative and Senators offices and let them know you took time to attend, ask for their support orally or in writing.

You are in: Membership in the Association of N.W. Steelheaders has it perks. Columbia Sportswear Co. is offering an opportunity for you to shop at the Science Park Dr. Store in Portland, OR. There is a copy of the flyer in the attachment, print it out, read the small print on the bottom, find your membership card, and save some money. Last day is 24 March.

Association raffle tickets: Thank You to the members who bought tickets at the last meeting. Please bring an extra few bucks; we will sell you some trip or boat tickets.
NOTE: The nice folks at Sportsman’s Warehouse have scheduled the scouts to sell on the same dates we were hoping for. We do have Wednesday 23^rd of March and Saturdays 20 and 27 April. All we ask for is just three hours of your time: 9:00 a.m.-noon, or noon-3:00 p.m. at the Sportsman’s Warehouse on south Lancaster in Salem. I will have a signup sheet coming around, or give Bob J. a call at the number listed below.
The raffle tickets are for a three day Alaskan Guided fishing trip, $1.00 each or 25 for $20.00 and a ClackaCraft 16’ Old School High Side Drift Boat, $6.00 each or 2 for $10.00 ready to sell. This program is a fund raiser for our chapter and the association. We will be selling tickets at the general meetings. I may have blocks of tickets if you would like to check them out and sell them at work, school, church, health club, Tupperware parties and such. Sure would help. Please contact me at e-mail [email protected], PH; 503-507-1424 if you can help, PLEASE LEAVE A MESSAGE if I do not answer or at the meetings.

Replacement for the Secretary: At the last board meeting Bob J. announced that he will be retiring from the chapter secretary job that he has had on and off since 2004. We need someone to fill that office. If you are interested please talk with the President Matt Tucker or Bob J. We have one person interested are You?

Youth Outdoor Day: A program sponsored by ODFW and other organizations where several programs are offered to youngsters of all ages at E.E. Wilson Reserve. We help getting the kids to catch a fish in the ponds. We will need some volunteers to coordinate activities, prepare the fishing poles, reels, fishing gear, and attend the event to help the kids. This event will be held on Saturday June 8, 2019. More information to follow. If you want to help, let us know—signup sheet will be provided later.

 Have you checked our chapter web page for 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/ .

Snail Mail: If you are getting this letter in the mail and have an e-mail address PLEASE let us use it to save us money on paper, ink, stamps, and my time and provide us with that information.

Not getting correspondence: If you are not receiving your membership information from the Association please see the secretary, Bob Johnston. We found one member who was listed in another chapter. A lot of the phone numbers we have in the listing are not correct.

Membership renewals: We have some members with expired memberships. We are trying to keep our membership renewals current so please check your membership card to see if you may have missed your notification. If you need more information please contact Bob J. at a meeting or give him a call at 503-507-1424. No answers please leave a message.

At our meetings we have an “open seat board”: The board has a listing of people who want to go fishing and people who have an open seat in the boat to hook up. Check it out; you may meet a new fishing buddy or someone to help you manage/ballast your boat.

We have some new members who want to learn to fish for steelhead and want to fish with you. If you see a new face, please introduce yourself and see what they are interested in or ask us to help you find someone.
Hope to see you at the March meeting; we will start at 7:00 p.m. on 19^th March 2019.

Bob Johnston, Chapter Sec. Mike Tucker President