Association of Northwest Steelheaders -Emerald Empire Chapter

01/24/2026

01/22/2026

Starting to get fish back, go catch some!

01/07/2026

Ken Johnson, Tom Monoit, and Rod Fosback were out at the hatchery today and worked on the Fladdery over the pond, Tom put non skid on the small bridge on the outflow from the pond, and we finished installing the Wier and opened the trap for the year.

03/26/2025

ODFW recommend it is better to release fish from the hatchery into the stream during a high-water event and a dark moon. Well, the creek is still higher than normal and more rain is anticipated and the moon is in a waning phase about 10% and will be less the next few days. So, the timing and conditions are right, so the plan is to check the outlet pipe in the morning to make sure it is good and we will open the valve and drain the pond. Given the fact that the inlet creek is still a little high, I anticipate it will take a couple days to drain it.
The fish have been very active the past couple of weeks, they have passed their physicals and are feeling frisky and ready to run to salt water. We are not planning a party but you are welcome to come take a look. I think we did the best we could these past 14 months, now it is up to Mother Nature.
Ken

03/19/2025

Letz creek hatchery fish trap today, will need some help fixing it when the water drops

03/17/2025

Letz creek Hatchery today

04/25/2024

Well done

𝐃𝐄𝐏𝐔𝐓𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝐀𝐑𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐓 𝐆𝐀𝐑𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐑 𝐌𝐀𝐍 𝐈𝐍 𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐏 𝐇𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐘 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊-𝐈𝐍

𝐆𝐀𝐑𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐑, 𝐎𝐫𝐞. - A Gardiner man has been arrested in a burglary of the Gardiner, Reedsport, and Wi******er Bay (GRWB) Salmon Trout Enhancement Program (STEP) hatchery.

The investigation began on Monday, April 22, 2024, when deputies were alerted that someone had forcibly made entry into the hatchery building. Once inside, the suspect had poured a chemical substance into one of the rearing ponds causing the death of approximately 15,000-20,000 smolt chinook salmon. Deputies processed the scene and began conducting a follow up investigation.

On Tuesday, April 23, 2024, around 6:30 p.m., a deputy patrolling the area observed a male walking south along Highway 101 near milepost 210. A short time later the deputy walked into the hatchery and observed that same male behind the locked gate and no trespassing signs. The male, identified as 20-year-old Gardiner resident Joshua Alexander Heckathorn, was contacted and interviewed by the deputy. During the interview, Heckathorn admitted to trespassing on the property and entering a storage location and handling the chemical bottle on Monday.

Deputies arrested Heckathorn and lodged him at the Douglas County Jail on charges of Burglary II, Criminal Trespass and Criminal Mischief. Due to the number of smolt chinook salmon that were killed in the incident, the Sheriff's Office is collaborating with the Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife unit on the case.

“Solving this case is the result of collaboration and good policework,” Sheriff John Hanlin remarked. “I am proud of the work done by the deputies and have full confidence that the investigation will aid in holding those responsible accountable for their actions."

The Sheriff's Office was also assisted by the Reedsport Police Department.

04/24/2024

Du sad that someone did this, let’s find them!!

03/01/2024

2024 trawl in Bering Sea has been fishing 1 month. Here's some of what they've dumped so far: 2.7k kings, 293 tons halibut, 518 tons herring, 89k snowcrab, 1.2k red king crab. Go get your booster and a box of fish sticks and think you are saving the planet because of your cardboard straw.

02/13/2024

Will Ryan Slattery please forward a message to us, I understand you want to be added as page administrator. Just want to make sure that we have the correct person.
Admin.