The Caddis Fly: Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

Last week Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) unveiled a legislative rider, “The Emergency Temporary Water Supply Amendment” that would would weaken pumping restrictions designed to protect delta smelt and migrating salmon in the San Francisco Bay and Delta.

As most in Oregon are painfully aware, the collapse of the Sacramento salmon (40,000 last year down from 750,000 in 2002) has led to the cancellation of much of Oregon’s commercial salmon fishing the last two years. This collapse, due in large part to water diversions for agriculture has had significant adverse economic impacts up and down the west coast.

The good news is that west coast members of Congress, including Peter DeFazio, David Wu and Earl Blumenauer are fired up about Ms. Feinstein’s actions. In a letter addressed to Feinstein they urge the withdrawal of the rider pointing out that it is drought, not environmental protections that have exacerbated water problems and that in any event irrigators have obtained all or nearly all of their contractual water supply. The letter also expresses concern that the rider preempts science in order to legislate unsustainable water exports out of the Bay-Delta.

Ms. Feinstein has heard from her colleagues, but it can’t hurt to hear from you. It might also be a good idea to write Senator Wyden and Senator Merkely since as far as I can tell, they haven’t entered the fray–KM

On Sunday February 21, Trout Unlimited members and the public are invited to participate in riparian vegetation enhancement project in the Whilamut natural area of Alton Baker park on the Willamette River. We will be expanding our project area planting an additional 100 or more native trees and plants.

What began 2007 as a blackberry thicket has been transformed into an area where native vegetation may again thrive. As you know, invasive species are insidious and we need to continue our assault.

The site is approximately 10 minutes by foot east of the Autzen footbridge and west of the I-5 bridge on the north bank of the Willamette river.

The work party is scheduled from 9:30 am to 12:00. Meet at the Stream Team’s tent near our site. It will be hard to miss. It isn’t a bad idea to bring your own pair of gloves but Eugene’s Stream Team also provides gloves and tools so you can come as you are.

This is a great opportunity to enhance conditions on the urban section of the Wllamette and to meet people who care about fish and native plants as much as you do. Hope to see you there!

Contact brentross@gmail.com for further info or questions

This week, Trout Unlimited, The Caddis Fly Shop, The Native Fish Society and a host of volunteers and concerned anglers sent out postcards, asking influential Oregonians to reach out to ODFW in favor of wild fish management on the McKenzie River. We have lots of postcards still at the shop if you’d like to take the time to fill some out. The cards are currently going to 25 individuals, postage paid and addressed. The Native Fish Society is using its bulk non-profit mailing code, so we are collecting them in batches and sending them to the Native Fish Society to mail. We will be having another post-card signing party in the near future, so stay tuned.

Here is a video of local anglers, talking about why they came out last week to fill out post cards:

In related news, Trout Unlimited McKenzie-Upper Willamette chapter secured $5,000 to fund a five-year population study of the newly non-stocked section of McKenzie River. The study will begin next month, and will be administered by ODFW and the McKenzie Fly Fishers. The funds came from our Portland supporters and benefactors, the Flyfisher’s Club of Oregon.

You can show your gratitude for this amazing funding by helping us fill a fly box for the FCO auction in May. TU’s Cris Abbot is currently staining a wooden box, with a steelhead fly etched on the glass cover by our friend Kathy McCartney. It will look similar to the box below. If you’d like to help fill this fly box for the FCO’s auction, please drop them off at the Caddis Fly with an envelop labeled “FCO auction fly box”.

-MS