GRWB S.T.E.P. Proposes Increased Salmon Production

GRWB S.T.E.P. Proposes Increased Salmon Production The Gardiner-Reedsport-Winchester Bay Salmon Trout Enhancement Program (S.T.E.P.) rears approximately 100,000 pre-smolt fall Chinook Salmon annually to provide a terminal sports fishery in the lower Umpqua River estuary. In their 2024-2028 Fish Propagation Plan application, they will request that ODFW designate them as a “no waste hatchery” and increase brood stock collection to 85 pairs of adult fall Chinook. This aims to offset an average 27% mortality loss and maintain their goal of producing 100,000 pre-smolt annually for local anglers.