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Voices from the River: The altruistic angler
The Steelhead Whisperer, on his home water, in his characteristic pose. By Sam Davidson Apparently I like to observe important fishing occasions by making other anglers feel better about themselves. 2017 was a case in point. I ended the calendar year, and the 2016-17 winter steelhead season (in March), in the same fashion: by going…
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Voices from the River: A man for all seasons
Dean Finnerty, man for all seasons. By Sam Davidson Many people working for TU did not start in trout and salmon conservation. Among the former corporate lawyers, loggers, resource age ncy staff, newspaper reporters, and outdoor educators now employed by TU, Dean Finnerty joins a select few who previously worked in law enforcement. Dean grew…
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TU statement on new recovery plans for Snake River salmon, steelhead
Recently NOAA Fisheries, the federal agency responsible for recovering marine and anadromous fish species listed under the Endangered Species Act, released new recovery plans for spring and summer Chinook salmon, and steelhead, in the Snake River. The Snake is the largest tributary to the Columbia River. Its runs of salmon and steelhead have declined dramatically…
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New rules enhance water quality protections for NF Smith River
The North Fork of the Smith River. Dean Finnerty knows good steelhead water when he sees it. Finnerty, a lifelong resident of Oregon and longtime fishing guide, says the headwaters of the fabled Smith River are "some of the best habitat for wild steelhead, anywhere." Indeed, the remarkably lucid green waters of the Kalmiopsis region…
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Voices from the River: Opener
The Steelhead Whisperer cradles the object of his affection on his home water during the recent steelhead season opener. By Sam Davidson It was with some trepidation that I paid my respects to a stream with a heavy reputation on the recent opening day of steelhead season. I should have had no worries, as I…
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National monuments in the crosshairs
Native redband trout from upper Jenny Creek, Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, Oregon. This monument, and others with quality sporting opportunities, are targeted for downsizing or reduction in resource protections by the Trump administration. Photo: Kaden Swart Theodore Roosevelt might be resting a little uneasily in his grave. Roosevelt, America’s greatest sportsman-conservationist, used his presidency to promote…
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Voices from the River: Filling buckets
The author and his daughter, filling buckets on Yellowstone's Lamar River. By Tim Frahm When my daughter was in third grade (she’s in sixth grade now), her class practiced a regular exercise they called “filling buckets.” This involved being kind or thoughtful or in other ways a good friend to each other. The outcome of…
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