Steelhead 101

Have you ever wanted to try steelhead fishing but weren’t sure how? ODFW partners with the Association of Northwest Steelheaders (ANWS) to provide all the knowledge you need to fish for steelhead from scratch; from where to go, how to read the water, and what gear to get and how to use it! We will focus on the use of conventional (spinning) fishing methods and gear, but if you have questions about other fishing methods, such as fly-fishing, we're happy to help. 

This is a 2-day event! Day 1 covers the ins and outs of steelhead fishing in a classroom setting, while Day 2 is all about hands-on learning and fishing (!!) on the water. A detailed email with the daily plan and further instructions will be sent to all registrants the week before the event date.

Your workshop fee includes instruction, use of ODFW equipment and program materials, and a one-year membership to ANWS. When you learn with us, you’ll never fish alone—unless you want to!

For more information or for questions, please contact James Adkins, ANWS Communications Liaison: james@anws.org

Event Information

Sign-in begins at 8:00. Lunch will NOT be provided, so please bring your own lunch and snacks on both Saturday and Sunday. A detailed email with the plan of the day and further instructions will be provided to all registrants the week before the event.

Anglers aged 17 years and younger are eligible to participate while accompanied by an adult 21 years or older.

Your workshop fee includes instruction, use of ODFW equipment and program materials, and a one-year membership to ANWS. If you learn with us, you’ll never fish alone! (Unless you want to).

Instructions for Parents and Guardians of Minors

  • Anglers aged 17 years and younger are eligible to participate as long as they are accompanied by an adult 21 years or older.

To sign your child up for this event:

    1. Click the profile dropdown at the top of your screen.
    2. Click 'View This Page As ..."
    3. Select the name of the managed relationship account you would like to sign up.
    4. Register for the class!

      Note: If you do NOT see the 'View This Page As ..." button, you have not set up a managed relationship account for your child yet! From the profile dropdown, click 'Managed Relationships' and then 'Create' to build your youth's linked (managed) account.

      Contact (855) 686-1055 or odfw-help@payitgov.com for assistance with creating your child's managed relationship account.

      What To Bring

      We have all the equipment you need (conventional spinning gear), but if you have your own steelhead fishing gear, you're encouraged to bring it and we can show you how to use it! 

      To bring:

      • Appropriate clothing and footwear. This is an outdoor event (only the classroom session will be inside). Oregon weather can be unpredictable, so please dress accordingly! 
      • Chest waders are highly recommended, but hip waders and tall rain boots will suffice if you don’t have them.
      • Unless specified in the event details, meals will NOT be provided, so please bring your own breakfast/lunch, snacks, and water on both days of the event.

      Each participant MUST have the following licensing:

      • Anglers 12 and older: 
        • A valid angling license
        • A combined angling harvest tag AND a Columbia River Basin Endorsement
      • All anglers regardless of age:
        • A combined angling harvest tag AND a Columbia River Basin Endorsement
      Steelhead 101 Image

      Event Sessions

      Feb 21
      Sat · 8:00 AM
      1102 EAST HISTORIC COLUMBIA RIVER HIGHWAY
      TROUTDALE, OR 97060
      Feb 22
      Sun · 8:30 AM
      1102 EAST HISTORIC COLUMBIA RIVER HIGHWAY
      TROUTDALE, OR 97060

      Event Requirements

        • Appropriate licensing is required! (See "What to Bring" section for details).
      • • All Ages

      Event Lead Contact Information

      Amanda Boyles

      Event Details

      02/21/2026 08:00 AM - 02/22/2026 01:00 PM
      TROUTDALE, OR
      Age 1-12:
       $50.00
      Age 13-17:
       $50.00
      Age 18-54:
       $70.00
      Age 55-64:
       $70.00
      Age 65+:
       $70.00
      02/20/2026
      31 Total Seats, all ages

      Volunteer Opportunities Summary

      AE Certified Instructor (40)
      AE Event Support Specialist (40)
      AE Youth Certified Instructor (40)
      01/26/2026 11:39 AM - 02/23/2026 12:00 PM
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