For the Fish, The Fishermen, and The Future

!!CLICK HERE FOR 2018 DATES!!

Welcome to 2017! It's that time of year again when our salmon friends benefit from those once regal Christmas Trees. Bring your tree by and stop in our favorite local fly shops for a visit.

<DOWNLOAD FLYER>

More information available from the

TVTU Facebook Page

Trees will benefit salmon, steelhead and other aquatic critters in our local rivers by providing refuge, habitat, and food sources. TVTU works with ODFW on the Clackamas river and we provide some overflow to benefit smaller, urban creeks as well. For information on projects around Seaside, Oregon contact the Wild North Coast Chapter.

Thank you for your support and remember this benefits everyone -

the Fish, the Fisherman, and the Future!

Merry Christmas from ODFW....

Celebrate the New Year with free fishing and crabbing
Dec. 23, 2016

SALEM – The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife wants to make it easy for anglers to kick off the fishing new year with a free fishing weekend on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1.
 

On Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 31 and Jan. 1, fishing, crabbing and clamming in Oregon will be free. That means no licenses, tags or endorsements are needed on those days. (Though all other fishing regulations apply.)

While many might not think of fishing in December and January, Oregon offers some great opportunities during the winter months:

• Recreational crabbing is now open along the entire Oregon Coast.
• The winter steelhead season is heating up.
• Some lower elevation lakes and ponds were stocked with trout as late as this month.

“Spending a day outside with the family, enjoying Oregon’s natural beauty, is a great way to spend a day together no matter what time of year,” said Richard Hargrave, ODFW spokesperson.

There are some special considerations when heading outdoors during the winter months, Hargrave added. “Check water conditions and the weather forecast before heading out; dress for the conditions, and be leery of high water levels and surf.”

TONIGHTS' MEETING CANCELLED!!

Rob cannot make it - nobody else should try.

Go home, be safe, keep the roads clear!

 

December at TVTU?

And so it rolls on - that frenetic paced Holiday Season. We all hope that your Thanksgiving day brought you friends, family, peace and calm; as well as a winning football team [don't know what to say about the Duck's fans..]. Take a breath as Christmas comes barrelling in and join us soon! Breathe deep and be safe.

Upcoming activities for December......

GENERAL MEETING!CANCELLED!
WHEN: Wednesday, December 14, 2016
WHERE: Lucky Lab Public House [Multnomah Village]
WHAT TIME: 6:30 p.m. [with 7:00 p.m. official program start]
WHAT to EXPECT: Rob Crandall-"Spring Fishing Opportunities"Here in the NW we have so many great fisheries. In this presentation, Rob features some of his favorite spring fishing.....

Conservation HELP!

Thompson Creek - the early days

Celebrate 10 years of healthy habitat at Thompson Creek!

Willow planting along Little Beaver creek which flows into Thompson creek - Thompson supports one of the most robust runs of wild Coho on the wild north coast!

WHAT: Willow-planting party and celebration

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 3 - 10 am to 1 pm

WHERE: Thompson Creek and Stanley Marsh Habitat Reserve - Seaside, OR

WHAT to EXPECT: In December 2006 North Coast Land Conservancy acquired 80 acres at Thompson Creek and Stanley Marsh, on the east side of Seaside. Restoration efforts began restoring the wetlands here. It has grown to become a very visible success story, with coho salmon migrating up Thompson Creek to spawn every winter and beavers building dams in Stanley Marsh, further enhancing the wetlands habitat for fish and other wildlife.

On December 3, gather with NCLC staff and other volunteers [including the Wild North Coast Chapter of TU] at Thompson Creek to plant more willows. This important effort will shade the creek and provide food and building materials for beavers.

A brief tour and celebration of the complex will also occur and include a short trek up the creek to watch salmon spawning, mugs of hot cocoa, and a toasting the project’s decade of success.

EXTRA INFO: Volunteers of all ages and abilities are welcome. We will gather at the pump house at Thompson Creek. Contact Stewardship Director Melissa Reich at melissar@nclctrust.org to let her know you’ll be coming. Bring a lunch, and prepare to get muddy. We’ll work rain or shine (barring extreme weather). There are no toilets on the property. Dogs are not allowed at NCLC habitat reserves. Bring chest waders so you can get to see the beaver complex of multiple dams on little beaver creek built with many of the willows  that TVTU chapter members planted those years ago!

What'd I miss - November

November 9^th was a nice evening to meet at the Lucky Lab for our annual State of TVTU gathering. A few over twenty persons came out and joined the group for a bite and beer.

Erle began with some new member introductions – Dan, a longtime Oregonian and recent transplant to the Portland metro area came out to meet some like-minded folks, learn some of the local waters and partake in our conservation efforts. Justin was next and hopes to join others expanding his fishing knowledge – he has a fledgling 7 year old fisherman in the family who cannot get enough!

Remember, if you are interested in being a part of our conservation efforts – email us at TVTURESTORATION@GMAIL.COM; we’ll get your name on a list to receive project updates and invites.

TVTU business was next with five board members up for reelection: Mike Gentry [member and treasurer], Erle Norman [member and president], Ron Reinebach [member and auction chair], Jon Pampush [member and vice president], and Jeff Price [member and secretary]. Voting ensued and without any contest, each person was unanimous voted in by attendees.

Following elections was a short treasurers report; Mike G was out of the country [ask him how his annual Argentina trip this year was when you next see him…]. Erle...

SINCEREST THANKS to all OUR VETERANS

November at TVTU....

YIKES!! It is raining....welcome to Oregon when we begin to receive that annual refresh. If the soccer game was cancelled due to poor field conditions or you find braving the falling skies too much this time of year - pass some time perusing the latest newsletter or better yet include a stop at the Lucky Lab for a beer and slice.....

NEWSLETTER!

The latest issue is on the internet via Jerry our diligent editor/assembler - check out what your chapter has been up to!

>>> The Trout Line <<<

GENERAL MEETING!
WHEN: Wednesday, November 9, 2016
WHERE: Lucky Lab Public House [Multnomah Village]
WHAT TIME: 6:30 p.m. [with 7:00 p.m. official program start]
WHAT to EXPECT: Annual STATE of TVTU Meeting
An update of all things TVTU and abroad in Oregon including board elections, business updates and TOM WOLF discussing the dealing in Salem. There is usually more time available to tell of your summer exploits as well [so sharpen up that big fish story and bring it!].
WHAT to BRING: a good attitude and a handshake - introduce yourself!

October at TVTU?

Rain is back - a bit more, throw in some wind and we'd be seeing 'normal' October weather! Nice to return to the rainy Pacific Northwest! This also means fresh, cool water in the streams and a renewed vigor in our fishes - including returning steelhead, salmon and searun cutts. hope you can find some time [and raingear] to go out and experience the true PNW.....

If not, hang out and see what TVTU has in store for you!

GENERAL MEETING!

WHEN: Wednesday, October 12, 2016

WHERE: Lucky Lab Public House [Multnomah]

WHAT TIME: 6:30 p.m. Socializing; meeting starts at 7:00 p.m.

WHAT to EXPECT: Michael Gorman - "Steelhead fly fishing;Guerilla Flyrod Tactics"
The challenges beyond just trying to fool a steelhead - Physiology/Life Cycle; Locating Steelhead; Equipment Options; Flies [Wets, Dries, Nymphs]; Formulating a Strategic Game Plan; Are You Willing to Cowboy Up?
WHAT to BRING: appetites and friends welcome! Food and beverages are available for purchase - second floor banquet room. A little cash for the raffle?

CAMPOUTING/CONSERVATION:

WHEN: October 15th&16th

WHERE: Whychus Creek [outside Sisters]

WHAT TIME: 9:30 a.m.
WHAT TO EXPECT: TVTU joins other state Chapters for a combination campouting and conservation weekend; meet at the Camp Sherman Campground on the Metolious for a fishing gathering and then migrate on Sunday morning to help others with the ongoing state project.

The volunteer project partners with the Deschutes Land Trust on Whychus Creek outside Sisters, Oregon. We will be planting trees, restoring riparian habitat in the floodplain, and working in the river to augment and create new fish habitat. The effort commences at 10:00am and we expect to wrap up around 2:00 - 3:00pm.

Contact ANDY ANDREWS for more info.

FOR FUN [next month]!!!

PACIFIC NORTHWEST FLY TYERS RENDEZVOUS

WHAT: Fly Fishing Arts & Conservation Society Annual Gathering/Fundraiser

WHERE: Jackson Armory [Portland, Oregon (near the airport)]

WHEN: November 12, 2016

TIME: 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.

WHAT to EXPECT: Annual fundraiser for conservation in the Northwest region. This rendezvous gathers some of the best local and regional tyers for instruction and demonstration. Event includes displays and silents auctions. Auctions benefit local non-profit groups associated with fishing and river conservation.

The FFACS Board is comprised of SEVEN local organizations:

• Clark-Skamania Fly Fishers
• Northwest Fly Fishers
• Salmon Creek Fly Fishers
• Stonefly Maidens Fly Fishing Club
• Trout Unlimited Clackamas River Chapter
• Trout Unlimited Tualatin River Chapter
• Washington County Fly Fishers

COST: $3.00 gets you in the door - help support our local waters!

Ever wanted to learn to tie flies....

Well our friends at Royal Treatment Fly Fishing have you covered! Nick at the shop runs the beginning fly tying class and will gladly teach the basics to start you down the road...

It seems that you never have the right fly when the Trout are rising or the Steelhead are stacked in your favorite river.  Here's an idea, sign up for our Beginning Fly Tying Class and always have the right fly in your box!

This four week class covers the basics of fly tying. Learn to tye several useful Trout and Steelhead patterns while learning the techniques needed to tye hundreds of flies.  All materials and tools are supplied for the classroom sessions.....

The steelhead count at Bonneville Dam is about half of the 10-year average for this time of year. (Peter Oelschlaeger/flickr)

Steelhead Numbers in Northwest Far Below Prediction 
August 30, 2016 - Eric Tegethoff, Public News Service (OR)

PORTLAND, Ore. - The number of steelhead making their way up the Columbia River and into its Northwest tributaries has fallen far below predictions this season. The migration of "A-run" steelhead from the ocean to freshwater is wrapping up through Bonneville Dam in the Columbia River Gorge, and the count is about half of the 10-year average.....

REMINDER!!!

The time is upon us once again - join us at the lucky lab this Wednesday for a unique perspective on the beloved Deschutes River country!

GENERAL MEETING!
WHEN: Wednesday, September 14, 2016
WHERE: Lucky Lab Public House [Multnomah Village]
WHAT TIME: 6:30 p.m. [with 7:00 p.m. official program start]
WHAT to EXPECT: Scott Richmond - "Ancient geology and biology of the Deschutes country"
Did you know that the Deschutes Country was once home to carnivores bigger than polar bears, large scimitar-toothed cats, and the pig from hell? That a major tributary flows through Oregon's largest--and most unknown--volcano? That Maupin may be the hinge on which the entire Pacific Northwest swings? That the Deschutes was once a meandering river with no canyon—and may have flowed east to west, not south to north? That central Oregon used to be a low-lying swamp? Scott Richmond, author of Fishing Oregon's Deschutes River and River in the Sun, takes you on an exciting journey into your favorite river's incredible history from the origins of Oregon to the arrival of humans!
WHAT to BRING: a smile and a friend if you wish!

Fish Foto's?

Help a fish out; the days of the grip-n-grin are dwindling but we still want some memories. Here are some tips from the folks of Gink & Gasoline:

Courtesy Gink&Gasoline      photo by Louis Cahill

Good points from the guys there with some added bonus material; the following 8 tips are discussed/elaborated - each being a good discussion point. Keep them in mind when you next want to document a catch....

• Carry enough net
• Let the fish recover
• Get your act together....

September at TVTU?

What is going on in September at TVTU you might ask? After all, we had the month off and now have to get back to the routine! Kind of like school after summer....

NEWSLETTER!

The latest issue is on the internet via Jerry our diligent editor/assembler - check out what your chapter has been up to!

>>> The Trout Line <<<

GENERAL MEETING!
WHEN: Wednesday, September 14, 2016
WHERE: Lucky Lab Public House [Multnomah Village]
WHAT TIME: 6:30 p.m. [with 7:00 p.m. official program start]
WHAT to EXPECT: Scott Richmond - "Ancient geology and biology of the Deschutes country"
Did you know that the Deschutes Country was once home to carnivores bigger than polar bears, large scimitar-toothed cats, and the pig from hell? That a major tributary

North Twin back in the fish...

Rainbow trout back in North Twin Lake
August 25, 2016

BEND, Ore. – State fisheries managers will stock North Twin Lake with rainbow trout again after tests indicated the water is safe for the fish.  The lake was chemically treated last fall to remove unwanted brown bullhead catfish.

Beginning as early as tomorrow morning, 2,500 legal-sized and 1,000 trophy trout will be stocked in the lake.  Additional stocking will occur next month.

“It has been a long wait for anglers to get back out on the lake to fish,” said Erik Moberly, assistant district fish biologist.  “We appreciate everyone’s support...

August at TVTU?

GENERAL MEETING - none in August!

NO MEETING THIS MONTH; don't forget we forego the member meeting for August. Too many family vacations and kids camp etc to get interest and coordination. So take some time and go fishing and exploring or do something good for a stream near you!

OUTREACH:

WHEN: August 10, 12, 24 & 26 [inclusive or exclusive!]
WHAT: Tualatin Riverkeepers Kids Camps

WHAT TO DO: Volunteer some time if needed; contact Mark Rogers to see what hte needs may still be. For more information check out << THIS POST >>. More information by contacting Mark Rogers.

CAMPOUTING!!

WHEN: August 19-21, 2016

WHERE: Gold Lake - Gold Lake Campground

WHAT TIME: Whenever you can show up [Andy usually is there Thursday evening]

WHAT to EXPECT: One of the most storied of the outings and not generally an annual one - ask about the TVTU sponsored conservation sign near the campground check-in - one of Andy's best! Gold Lake is known for bruiser 'bows and also no limit Brook trout fishing. Fishing is C&R for rainbows and barbless all around. The dry fly hatch fishing can be insane.
As always a Saturday night potluck barbecue - bring a side dish or dessert to share. UPDATE: no potluck is planned - try something impromptu if you'd like; apologies for the confusion. Also some stories for around the campfire. If you're have some time, hike into the upper and lower Marilyn's.
Contact ANDY ANDREWS for more info.

 

In case it fell to the bottom....

...of your inbox [or if you've 'opted out' of email correspondence], we wanted to take a moment and remind you of the recent partnership with COLUMBIA. Access their employee store, buy some quality clothing at employee prices and all the while support the Oregon Council of TU.

It works like this:

Summer is here--Need more gear to fuel your fun?

Starting mid-July, Columbia is partnering with Trout Unlimited to offer all TU members access to their Employee Store in Portland, Oregon. For every TU member purchase made during this month long opportunity, Columbia will donate 10% of the total sales to the Oregon Council of Trout Unlimited to support in state conservation and advocacy efforts in OREGON.

This is a special opportunity....

Share a bit of time?

Remember back this spring at the TVTU meetings when we started talking about doing a summer day fly angling camp with Tualatin River Keepers summer camp program? Maybe you saw the photos on the blog from last year. Well, we have set the final dates for this summer and here's how YOU can help!.

Camp Dates:

• Aug 10th: 3-4 hours afternoon
• Aug 12th: 6-7 hours with lunch break
• Aug 24th: 3-4 hours afternoon
• Aug 26th: 6-7 hours with lunch
• Exact times being worked out, likely Wednesdays 12:00 to 3:30 and Fridays 8:30 to 3:30

Fishing Days: we have decided to hold the fishing days at Cook Park this year on the sandbar by the TVTU annual picnic shelter [shelter #3] and boat launch.

Needs:

• Three or four volunteers for the Wednesday afternoon intro sessions (Aug 10, 24) 
• Five to eight volunteers for the Friday fishing days (Aug 12, 26).

Program plan:

• Monday-Tuesday the campers will be introduced to the water cycle, watershed, stream ecology and stewardship.
• During the Wednesday afternoon intro session TVTU will talk about the theory and history of fly angling. Equipment, flies etc and teach them basic casting technique (forward and roll cast) which they will practice with targets on the lawn at Dirksen Park near Summer Creek.
• Thursday they will be canoeing on the Tualatin and learning water safety (we will not be involved in this).
• Finally, we will spend Friday fishing. We may need to split the group up and have other activities then trade groups midday. TRK will provide alternative activities for the groups when they are not fishing (TRK has 12 fly rod sets).

It really is a lot of fun!

Please let me know the specific dates when you would like to join us. If you are not sure but are interested let me know and I will keep you in the loop. Email me if you have questions.

Mark Rogers
marwrog@gmail.com

Next up.....

The picnic is over - hope you made it out and had a great time! Thanks to all who helped put it together! Mike Gentry for his efforts continuing the silent auction tables; those who donated/provided items for the auction; Terry Turner and Dick Hollenbeck from CRTU for the grillin' duties! Looks like it was coming together just fine....we'll see you next year!

REMINDER!!

OUTING!

WHEN: Sunday, July 17, 2016
WHERE: Laurance Lake [Parkdale, OR]
WHAT TIME: mid-morning at the Kinnickinnick Day Use; no real schedule.
WHAT to EXPECT: A good mix of trout species including bull/cutthroat/rainbow and stocked rainbows - with the Bull Trout in existence here do not forget there are special regulations to follow for this lake!
Known to blow from mid-afternoon on this little lake can get exciting - but has several protected areas that fish well until the lake lies down for some on-top action in the late afternoon. There is a concessionaire run day-use and camp area with fee - day use is the typical $5 to park fee. Bring the float tube or rowboat [no motors allowed; there are (2) unimproved gravel launches - they are flat though] and enjoy a day on the water close to Portland.

WHAT to BRING: $5; a flotation fishing device of some sort; a friend. And a camera [or phone] to share some success!

Picinic Tonight!

GENERAL MEETING!
WHEN: Wednesday, July 13, 2016
WHERE: Cook Park - Tigard, OR [Note the venue change!! You'll be lonely at The Lucky Lab...]
WHERE ELSE: Shelter #3 <<-- CLICK for PDF map
WHAT TIME: 6:00 p.m.
WHAT to EXPECT: Food conversation and whatever else may happen - bring your spouse; friendly pooches on leash are allowed too! No speaker at this annual gathering so bring your best handshake and introductory line - find out who else is a member of TVTU! Just a laid back evening down by the river! The grills will be working overtime so bring an appetite - silent auction will be happening. Might have a couple of casting challenges as well - or maybe personal instruction if you ask nicely! Come join TVTU and our friends of Clackamas River Chapter and the ladies of The Stonefly Maidens for this months gathering!
WHAT to BRING: a no frills event - bring a side dish or dessert to accompany the TVTU provided entree. Have a favorite beverage? Bring it along and introduce someone else to your tastes!

July at TVTU?

What is going on in July at TVTU you might ask? We have you covered....

NEWSLETTER!

The latest issue is on the internet - check out what is going on with YOUR chapter!

>>> The Trout Line <<<

GENERAL MEETING!
WHEN: Wednesday, July 13, 2016
WHERE: Cook Park - Tigard, OR [Note the venue change!! You'll be lonely at The Lucky Lab...]
WHERE ELSE: Shelter #3 <<-- CLICK for PDF map
WHAT TIME: 6:00 p.m.
WHAT to EXPECT: Food conversation and whatever else may happen - bring your spouse; friendly pooches on leash are allowed too! No speaker...

C4C - the last of them!

Christmas Trees At River Island South
By Michael D. Ellis

On June 11th, volunteers from the Tualatin Valley, Clackamas, and Wild North Coast chapters of Trout Unlimited, the Northwest Fly Fishers, as well as volunteers from the Clackamas River Basin Council, the Clackamas Watershed Council, and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife met at the River Island South Metro Project on the Clackamas River to enhance habitat for juvenile coho salmon by placing used Christmas trees in the backwater area. In attendance were Dave Tenney, Clackamas chapter TU; Zach Bergen, Clackamas River Basin Council; Bill Monroe, Clackamas Watershed Council; Ben Walczak, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife; Phil Hager, Northwest Fly Fishers; Doug Ray, Wild North Coast chapter TU; Mike Gentry and Michael Ellis, Tualatin Valley chapter TU.

We met at the parking area and hiked down to a landing above the site, where Zach had a table of snacks and coffee! Zach filled us in on the site.....

Reminder....

Don't let this one get away....if you are on the fence about Timothy - it is one of the 3 most popular trips. And remember, you can make a day trip or shorter stay of it if you wish - the main camp is there all weekend!

CAMPOUTING!!

WHEN: June 24-26, 2016

WHERE: Timothy Lake - North Arm Campground

WHAT TIME: Whenever you can show up [Andy usually is there Thursday evening]

WHAT to EXPECT: One of the biggest and most popular campouts of the season; come and join the folks from TVTU and CRTU at the North Arm of Timothy Lake for some fun and fishing relaxation.

Saturday night potluck barbecue - bring a side dish or dessert to share. Also some stories for around the campfire. If your lucky, there will be a wayward hiker or bicyclist to save and you'll live in infamy for future outings! [There is ALWAYS a story related with this event...just ask!].

Contact ANDY ANDREWS for more info.

Mark has been the outreachingous!

The Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge - Sherwood, Oregon

TVTU Outreach News

by Mark Rogers

Under intermittent squalls TVTU Board members Mike Gentry, Ron Reinebach, Jerry Lorang and Mark Rogers manned the table at the 16th annual Sandy River Spey Clave on Saturday and Sunday May 14 and 15th. A little rain did not discourage the more than 100 fly casting steelheaders. Participants perused the many shiny rods and reels, watched various spey fishing demonstrations and took advantage of the opportunity to improve their casting technique with expert advice....

Join us Saturday.....

WHEN: June 11th, Saturday
WHERE: 16344 South Eaden Road [Oregon City; across and upstream of Barton Park]

WHAT TIME: 9:00 a.m.

WHAT TO EXPECT: TVTU will team up to make the final foray onto the Clackamas River to place the last of the C4C trees. This work is being done in cooperation with the Clackamas River Chapter of Trout Unlimited, the Clackamas River Basin Council, and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Meet at 16344 South Eaden Rd. Oregon City, just across the river and upstream from Barton Park at 9 AM.

If you are interested and have more questions, please contact either Mark Rogers or the TVTU Restoration address and ask away.

Bring gloves, rubber boots, hip/chest waders. We will be hauling and placing trees in stream so it will be wet and dirty! Wear work clothes.