Founded in 1928, the Steelhead Trout Club of Washington is the oldest active sports club in the state. Not merely a social organization, the Club prides itself with having been involved in steelhead issues for over 80 years. We have participated in many conservation and enhancement activities, and fought against development that continues to threaten the steelhead resource. The Club has benefited from the efforts of many dedicated and talented individuals. It has been our goal to preserve and enhance the steelhead resource and steelhead fishing opportunities in the Northwest since 1928.
The Club believes that wild steelhead deserve careful stewardship, and that there are times when stewardship demands that no targeted fishery, of any kind, is allowed on wild steelhead stocks that are depressed. We also believe that hatchery steelhead can and do play a significant role in providing meaningful angling opportunities, particularly where habitat has been significantly degraded by dam building and other development. These hatchery programs also provide substantial economic benefits, over and above their costs, to many locals throughout the state. We support reforms to hatchery operations, including the use of local wild brood stocks and more natural rearing environments than are currently employed.
The Club enjoys a constructive relationship with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). From time-to-time the club is fortunate to have WDFW representatives give updates on steelhead abundance, research projects and management issues at our monthly meetings. These meeting provide an opportunity for Club members to weigh in on steelhead fisheries managment issues. The Club also has a representative on the WDFW Steelhead and Cutthroat Advisory Policy Group. As such, Club members enjoy better than average access to current information on steelhead management issues and angling opportunities.
You can learn more about our past on our History page.
©2003 -– 2011 Steelhead Trout Club of Washington
