In the past month, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife closed Oregon’s two most iconic summer steelhead fisheries: the Deschutes and North Umpqua rivers. Historically, these rivers provided some of the world’s most robust and unique runs of wild steelhead.

Steelhead are a critical piece of Oregon’s natural heritage. They represent the health of Oregon’s ecosystems, they are revered by anglers and conservationists, and they provide economic benefits to communities where they live.

Currently, less than 1,000 steelhead have returned to the North Umpqua, where, historically, there were over 10,000 fish. On the Deschutes, the numbers are no better. And 2026 is shaping up to be the worst summer steelhead run since counts began at the Bonneville Dam in the 1940s.

One poor return will not doom summer steelhead in Oregon. However, in the past 15 years, these poor returns are becoming the norm. It is clear that more must be done to study, conserve and support populations of summer steelhead. Issues facing steelhead are complicated, but not impossible to address.

These fish need Oregonians’ help. Donate to nonprofits that support steelhead recovery, like the Deschutes River Alliance, Umpqua Watersheds, Wild Salmon Center, Native Fish Society and others.

Contact state and federal lawmakers. The state Legislature must invest in the Department of Fish and Wildlife, which can dedicate funding to rebuild summer steelhead populations statewide. Oregon’s congressional delegation is capable of advocating for Oregon’s natural resources by proposing laws that fund and direct federal agencies charged with protecting summer steelhead.

Now is the time to use your voice to save one of Oregon’s most iconic species.

Bryant Atanasio
Eugene