Does NW steelheaders have a presence in Eastern Washington or Oregon? Has any work been done over here to help repopulate our runs? Our steelhead always seems forgotten as we sit between the more popular coastal rivers and Idaho rivers.
I think the solution to Franks lack of nutrients in the rivers and creeks problem is the American Shad. An ocean running fish. Full of nutrients. And easy to catch. Is there any reason that Shad couldn’t be used to help with replacing those nutrients?
From my experience Shad don't go a long distance up most of the smaller river systems/tributaries. I believe Nick saw some in the Lower Clackamas once years ago. In the main stem of the Columbia and the Willamette they 100% feed sturgeon and many other species of wildlife as they decay. I would wonder though how many fry they eat in the ocean as adults. Maybe someone has information on that? Millions of them return which means millions are feeding year round in the Pacific.
@@salmontroutsteelheadermaga5925 I was thinking more along the lines of having fishermen catch them. Then work together with fish and wildlife agencies to distribute their carcasses to provide nutrients to the smaller streams and rivers.
Does NW steelheaders have a presence in Eastern Washington or Oregon? Has any work been done over here to help repopulate our runs? Our steelhead always seems forgotten as we sit between the more popular coastal rivers and Idaho rivers.
Not sure on that. Here's their website to contact them: nwsteelheaders.org/
I think the solution to Franks lack of nutrients in the rivers and creeks problem is the American Shad. An ocean running fish. Full of nutrients. And easy to catch. Is there any reason that Shad couldn’t be used to help with replacing those nutrients?
From my experience Shad don't go a long distance up most of the smaller river systems/tributaries. I believe Nick saw some in the Lower Clackamas once years ago. In the main stem of the Columbia and the Willamette they 100% feed sturgeon and many other species of wildlife as they decay. I would wonder though how many fry they eat in the ocean as adults. Maybe someone has information on that? Millions of them return which means millions are feeding year round in the Pacific.
@@salmontroutsteelheadermaga5925 I was thinking more along the lines of having fishermen catch them. Then work together with fish and wildlife agencies to distribute their carcasses to provide nutrients to the smaller streams and rivers.