About the Steelhead Trout Club

Founded in 1928, STCW is the oldest active outdoor sports club in the state. We have been active in steelhead issues for over 70 years. We have been active in many enhancement and conservation activities and have fought against development that threatens the steelhead resource. We have benefited from the efforts of many dedicated and talented individuals. (You can get a glimpse of our history by looking over the 50 year booklet, produced in 1978.)

We have fought dams on other rivers, participated in FERC relicensing of existing dams, supported international treaties, participated in enhancement and monitoring activities, marked hatchery fish, and opposed development that threatens steelhead and their habitat. It has been our goal to preserve and enhance steelhead and steelhead fishing opportunities in the northwest since early last century.

We believe that harvesting a wild steelhead is permissible, if a run is healthy and meeting escapement goals, but encourage people to release a portion of their catch to allow. We do not believe in Catch and Release as a management strategy per se, believing jeopardized wild runs should be shut down and allowed to recover.

We also believe that hatchery fish can and do play a significant role in providing meaningful angling opportunities, particularly where habitat has been extremely impacted by dam building and other development. We support reforms to hatchery operations, including the use of local wild brood stocks and more natural rearing environments.

Smolt Imprint Pond

We currently operate a smolt imprint pond on the North Fork of the Skykomish River. We also offer classes on steelheading through the local community colleges. You'll find more information here.

Other Club activities include work parties (stream bank clean-up, smolt pond maintenance, fin clipping of smolts), Winter run and Summer run fishing parties, and our Annual Awards Banquette.

Membership

Two levels of membership are available. To become a voting member of the Club, you must attend three Club meetings, be sponsored by a current member with voting rights, be accepted by a vote of the club and pay annual dues of $20. Meetings are typically held in the greater Seattle area on the second Tuesday of the month. A supporter or associate membership that does not convey voting rights can be obtained by paying annual dues of $10. If you are interested in becoming a member, e-mail us at membership@steelheadclub.com.

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