I occasionally wonder why I was nominated to be Clark-Skamania Flyfishers’ president this year. I think I’ve figured it out.

Clark-Skamania Flyfishers turns 50 this year. Interestingly, my own life cycle also began 50 years ago. Next year I turn 50 years old, which—if you do the math (subtracting nine months from next year)—means that this year, 2025, marks the 50-year anniversary of the start of my life cycle as well.

So why is this life cycle significant in the world of fishing and habitat conservation? (See the “Circle of Life” image).

Metaphorically, if I were a fish—say, a steelhead—my life cycle began 50 years ago as an egg in a redd gravel bed along the banks of a cold, fast-flowing river. Nestled among smooth stones, I began my journey as a tiny speck, part of a delicate balance within the river’s ecosystem.

Fifty years. A lifetime of survival, resilience, and return.

Just as I have fought my way through the trials of river and sea, so too has Clark-Skamania Flyfishers spent the past half-century protecting the waters that nurture fish like me. This year, we celebrate a shared milestone—my 50th year as a returning steelhead, and the 50th anniversary of those who have worked relentlessly to ensure my kind endures.

From the moment I hatched as an alevin, I faced challenges that tested my resilience. As a sac fry, I remained hidden in the gravel, absorbing the last of my yolk sac before venturing into the current.

As a fry, I darted through the shallows, feeding on insects and small invertebrates while avoiding the shadows of larger fish hunting for an easy meal. Surviving through the parr stage was no easier. I developed distinctive vertical stripes that helped me blend into the sun-dappled waters. But even camouflage could not protect me from the greatest challenges—shifting river flows, sediment choking my habitat, and human-made barriers threatening to block my journey.

As a smolt, I followed the ancient call of migration, navigating past obstacles, struggling against changing water conditions, and finally making my way to the open ocean.

As an adult, I thrived in the vastness of the sea, growing strong and resilient. But the ocean, too, had its dangers—warming waters, dwindling prey, and the ever-present threat of being caught before I could return home. Still, despite it all, I felt the pull of my birthplace.

I fought my way upstream, pushing against currents, leaping over obstacles, and enduring exhaustion to reach the gravel beds where my life began.

One fateful day, I felt a sharp tug and fought with everything I had. For twenty heart-pounding minutes, I tested the strength of the angler on the other end of the line, my power surging through the water. When he finally lifted me from the river, I locked eyes with someone who understood the significance of this moment.

A quick photo. A whispered word of admiration. And then—freedom.

As I slipped back into the current, I knew I had given him the thrill of a lifetime, just as this river had given me life itself.

But my story is more than just my own survival.

It is the story of those who fight for the rivers—ensuring that fish like me have a chance to return. Organizations like Clark-Skamania Flyfishers work tirelessly to protect these waters through conservation, habitat restoration, and fishing enhancement projects. They remove barriers, improve spawning grounds, and help ensure that future generations of steelhead have a fighting chance.

This year, in celebration of 50 years of conservation, Clark-Skamania Flyfishers held a special fundraiser on March 22. Thanks to dedicated volunteers and the generosity of those who care deeply about our rivers and wild spaces, we raised $33,000 for conservation efforts.

Your contributions aren’t just donations—they are investments in the future of our fisheries, our waterways, and our natural world.

Fifty years ago, I was spawned in these waters.
Fifty years ago, Clark-Skamania Flyfishers was founded to protect them.

Today, we celebrate not just survival, but the legacy of those who fight for our rivers, our fish, and the thrill of the catch.

Here’s to the next 50 years—may our waters run clear, our fish return strong, and our passion for conservation never fade.

Thank you for your support. Kudos to every CSF member and to all who have contributed this year and throughout the last fifty years.

May we always find our way home.

Ben Nolte
President, Clark-Skamania Flyfishers