Breaking the Surface

Yeah, its time to tie skaters again.

GEOBASS Nicaragua

These guys kill me. Rainbow bass in Nicaragua with the Motiv Crew.

Umpqua Kill Fishery?

As disturbing as it sounds, locals who fish the Umpqua River in Oregon are once again trying to petition the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to allow retention of native winter steelhead. Over the years we have had to fight this battle again and again and as annoying as it is, we must continue to fight for these native fish. Please contact ODFW and let them know how vital this resource is to the Pacific Northwest and why it brings back anglers despite it being a no kill fishery.

Send Emails to: odfw.commission@state.or.us

and

Sign the petition here.

The Lost Fish

Pacific Lamprey are one of the lesser known, yet oldest anadromous species in the Pacific Northwest. Much like salmon and steelhead, Pacific Lamprey struggle to reach the ocean when young and again in adulthood while on their spawning run, navigating through hydroelectric dams on their journey to their native waters.

The Lost Fish is a collaborative film with the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Columbia River Intertribal fish Commission to bring light and public awareness to the decline of this disappearing species of fish. Pacific Lamprey hold both an important role in the heritage of our native people as well as a role in an intact ecosystem here in the Pacific Northwest.

In this Trailer you also see Elmer Crow, a Nez Perce elder and fisherman. Elmer grew up on the banks of the Clearwater River in Orfino, Idaho and has fished it since the young age of 3. This was long before the construction of Dworchak Dam on the North Fork of the Clearwater River. Legend has it he is one of the remaining fisherman in this world who can not only say he has caught steelhead in Kelly Creek, but has taken them on a dry fly.

Puget Sound Chambers Creek Hatchery Runs Go Bye Bye

Chambers Creek Hatchery Steelhead Photo: Brian Chou

Well after decades of releases into Puget Sound, the Washington Department has decided to end releases of Chambers Creek Steelhead into its streams this year. With a threatened federal lawsuit from the Wild Fish Conservancy, this practice of releasing smolts will end and releases will not occur this Spring. With one million steelhead smolts released every year into Puget Sound Rivers, only about 7000 are caught on their return, leaving countless numbers spawning and competing with now threatened endangered native steelhead. This is a big win for native fish and a big loss to the sports fishery in that area.

 Read more here.

NFS's Sponsor a Protestor

I received a email from the Native Fish Society yesterday requesting something odd. I am not saying what to do, rather letting you decide. Funny to say the least. Check it out:


Dear Members and Supporters,

With Sandy river hatchery plants cut by half, stray rates below 10%, wild broodstock programs suspended and a precedent setting federal court ruling, the Three Rivers Sportman’s Alliance (a pro-hatchery “political action committee”) is planning to protest our upcoming Annual Benefit Banquet and Auction.   

In response, Native Fish Society supporters and members have asked us to provide an opportunity to raise additional support for wild fish by donating per protester. 
If you'd like to sponsor a protester please email tracy@nativefishsociety.org with your name, the amount you would like to donate per protester and your phone number. Thank you for all your support for wild, native fish!

Best Regards, 


NFS Staff

Oh and check out the Adipose Pledge.

Ahhh Trout... And New Glass Rods.

Recently, I got a chance to try out the new Echo Glass. I have been waiting for this bad boy for a very long time. I got a hold of the 7’ 10” 3pc 5wt, and took it to the Deschutes. Just me and her…. Like a first date, minus the showering and deodorant.

What. A. Fun. Rod.

This rod changes everything about the game. Because the rod is so fast, your form has to be fluid, which makes you actually “feel” the way the rod is casting. All the way down to the cork.

I have always been a graphite rod guy. It took me a few moments to re-learn how to cast this rod. It makes you slow down. It makes you focus more on your casting, and less on life, and why your pants don’t fit anymore.

Which is what this game is all about, right?

I paired the rod with the Ion reel, and the new Airflo Super Dri 5wt floating line.

That combo is as smooth as a post hot case breakfast bowel movement.  Minus the cramps. 

What I love most about this rod, is the way it feels when you have a fish on. (even whitefish). I swear you can feel it all the way to your bunions. And my bunions haven't felt anything that awesome in a long time.

My opinion?

Yes. Add one to your quiver. And hit the water. Pronto.

It will totally make your extra chin disappear.

And rainbows will appear.

All because of the New Echo Glass. Its true. Promise.