We're sharing stories of wild, native salmon and trout populations that are flourishing in the absence of hatchery programs: either because a hatchery program never existed or has been removed. If you would like to contribute to this collection, please fill out the form at the bottom of the page.

Oregon’s Deschutes River is home to a diversity of native anadromous and resident fish, however, this precious resource is under threat. Non-native fish species, poor water quality, and human impact have all taken a toll on the river, leaving its future uncertain. But there is hope. Native Fish Society is invested in our mission to restore the lower Deschutes River to its former glory, reviving its wild, native fish population and improving water quality for future generations.

Habitat restoration is essential to the survival and recovery of important wild fish populations, such as spring Chinook salmon, winter steelhead, and Cutthroat trout, that call the Molalla River home. By restoring degraded areas and reconnecting critical spawning and rearing habitats, we can create more suitable habitats for wild fish to thrive. This can help to increase the size and health of wild fish populations, improve water quality, and enhance the overall ecological health of the river. Habitat restoration can also provide valuable benefits for other species and the surrounding community, such as improved water resources, increased recreational opportunities, and a more resilient ecosystem. By investing in habitat restoration, we can help to secure the future of wild fish in the Molalla River and support a healthy, productive ecosystem for generations to come.

The rivers and wild fish of the Olympic Peninsula in Washington play a vital role in the region's ecosystem and are essential to its health and productivity. These waterways support diverse plant and animal communities, provide critical habitat for fish and other wildlife, and play a key role in maintaining water quality and cycling nutrients. Wild fish species such as salmon, steelhead, and trout have evolved to thrive in the unique conditions of these rivers and play a critical role in the food chain, providing sustenance for other species and supporting the overall health of the ecosystem. However, these habitats face numerous threats, including habitat degradation, loss of critical spawning and rearing areas, water pollution, and climate change. To protect the ecological integrity of the Olympic Peninsula and its wild fish populations, it is important to conserve critical habitat, and implement sustainable land-use practices through a groundswell of community efforts, involvement, and collaboration.

Spring Chinook Salmon (also referred to as springers) are an essential species to the rivers of the Oregon Coast. Not only are they a keystone species in the ecosystem, playing a vital role in maintaining the health of the river and its food web, but the spring Chinook Salmon run has cultural and spiritual significance for local tribes and communities, who have relied on the fish for sustenance for thousands of years.

The North Umpqua River and its wild fish are invaluable public treasures for our community and our state. Wild fish species, such as summer steelhead, play a critical role in the ecosystem of the North Umpqua River in Oregon. They provide a source of food for other animals, help to maintain water quality, and serve as indicators of the overall health of the ecosystem. By protecting and restoring wild fish populations, we can ensure the continued health and productivity of the North Umpqua River and its ecosystem. However, native fish populations in the North Umpqua River face significant threats due to hatchery fish that are putting their survival at risk. To protect these important species, it is important to reduce the number of hatchery releases, implement sustainable fishing practices, and conserve critical habitats to support healthy populations of wild, native fish in the North Umpqua River.

Native Fish Society is fighting to recover Oregon's most imperiled wild fish by building a groundswell of public supporter to advocate a Roadmap for Recovery for the Willamette's iconic salmon and steelhead. And we are challenging the management agencies in court, assuring that the legally required recovery actions are implemented in the basin.

Native Fish Society is conducting a multi-year survey project to tell better the story of what is happening with our wild Steelhead and Coho after the removal of a dam that didn't allow fish passage. With our partners, WDFW, USFS, and Friends of the White Salmon, we are currently finishing our third season of spawning surveys and gearing up for our fourth season!