White Salmon Project

EXCITING NEW PARTNERSHIP FOR 2026-27

We are excited to announce our new partnership with

Underwood Conservation District (UCD). https://www.ucdwa.org

UCD staff will be providing on-site management of the program, surveying and training! They are located in White Salmon and bring local expertise and experience to the program!! We are thrilled to have this partnership and look forward to a fantastic 2026-2027 survey season! Thank-You UCD

This 2025 film, shot and edited by Liam O. Gallagher, showcases the amazing efforts made by our volunteers, community scientists, and partners. Please enjoy and join us in thanking Clark-Skamania Fly Club, pFriem Family Brewers, Washington Depart of Fish and Wildlife, Wild Steelheaders United, Grundéns,  and the Friends of the White Salmon as well as every person who donated their time, spotting skills, and enthusiasm in making this project an on-going success!

Learn More & Join Us

If you are interested in joining this fun and rewarding volunteer effort, please contact Pat Hesselgesser -WCTU - White Salmon Project Lead@ [email protected].

Project Overview

The survey season for Coho runs from mid October to the end of January. At the end of January we start surveying for Steelhead, and that runs through the end of May. The 2026-27 season will start with training on October 22nd 2026 for both Coho and Steelhead. New volunteers must attend to participate in the program. If you cannot attend please let us know you are interested and we will do our best to provide individual training at a later date.

Training Information -

If you are interested in Attending this training you must contact Pat Hesselgesser to receive the invite link so we have an accurate headcount. EMAIL HERE

WDFW Redd Survey Training on White Salmon River tributaries for the 2026-27 season will be led by WDFW (Lisa Brown & JP Viviano) and is for volunteers and UCD staff who will be participating in 2026 - 2027 spawning season surveys.

WHEN: Thursday - October 22, 2026

WHERE: Classroom training at the UCD office (171 NW Washington St, White Salmon, WA). Stream side field training at a river TBD by WDFW and announced at classroom training.

TRAINING SCHEDULE TIME LINE:

    9 - 12 am: Classroom training at the UCD office (171 NW Washington St, White Salmon, WA)     12 - ~1 pm: Lunch break - Bring Your Own Sack Lunch, Snacks & drink

1 - 3 pm: Field training with WDFW fish biologists at a river to be determined

What to expect

• Late October has the potential for rain and colder weather. Please come prepared, check the weather forecast, and be ready to get in the water! Don't forget to bring: Water + snacks Warmer layers (raincoat, jacket) Sturdy shoes for uneven terrain Waders if you have a personal set (Trout Unlimited has a selection of waders that will be available)

• These surveys involve walking the identified section of the stream, observing wild fish spawning, and recording data such as the species, redds, temperature, visibility, water height, and other factors. 

• Surveys follow WDFW protocol and use equipment on loan from WDFW

• Volunteers enter data in iPads provided by WDFW and also use flagging methods to track the physical locations of spawning fish 

• Currently, spawning surveys are conducted for Coho and Steelhead

• The Coho rotation runs from October through January 31st and is conducted every 7-10 days

• The Steelhead rotation runs from February 1st through May 31st and is conducted every 14 days

• There are 3 tributaries where these surveys are currently conducted (Spring, Mill, and Buck Creek). 

HISTORY & HOW WE GOT HERE

In 2011 the Condit Dam was breached by PacifiCorp. The removal opened up miles of upstream habitat on the White Salmon River for salmon and steelhead for the first time in a century.

Driven by a deep passion for conservation, community, and coldwater fisheries, J. Michelle Swope (working for Native Fish Society in 2020) partnered with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to bring this monitoring project to life. When funding fell through in late 2023, WCTU stepped in to keep the work going. Over five seasons, J. Michelle has brought together community members, local businesses, and curious nature enthusiasts, building a remarkable foundation of knowledge, insight, and shared purpose around these incredible fish. Now, with the spawning surveys firmly in place, she is ready to pour her energy into her next great passion — running her fly shop and guiding anglers on the water.

Thank you J Michelle for all your hard work!

Photos by TJ Westre