Thank you for taking a moment to learn more about Northwest Guides and Anglers Association.

The Northwest Guide’s and Anglers Association was organized in 2004 to address sport fishing issues in the Pacific Northwest, specifically, Oregon and Washington.  NWGAA is a 501 (C) (6), not for profit organization.

Originally, we organized in 2004 to address fishery concerns on the lower Columbia River.  In late 2017 we became concerned with fishery issues in Washington State as well.  We now are concerned with fisheries which cover both, the entire states of Washington and Oregon, which limit the capability of fully prosecuted sport fisheries.

While sport fishing guides and recreational anglers see, and are the victim of a thousand cuts, we have gained ground as a recognizable industry in the Pacific Northwest. NWGAA seeks to advance this recognition through work in the following areas.

Unfair & Unnecessary

Unfair Fishery Allocations – Fisheries must be allowed to perform in a manner which best meets the needs of our region’s economies. While sport and commercial fisheries must co-exist together, it’s important the proper attention is given to the user group that gives the greatest return on our investment. We will work towards solutions which allow all user groups fair and tangible allocations to meet the needs of their industry.

Unnecessary Regulation – While recognizing the necessity for restrictions that promote conservation, it’s important we aren’t regulated out of our workplace. We support conservation measures that are backed by credible science, with fair public and professional input. Unnecessary regulation cripples interest in our sport and jeopardizes our industry.

Environmental

Environmental Factors –  Environmental factors limit the production of wild fish.  The operation of other industry often affects water quality that limit fish production in our streams and rivers. Excessive water temperatures, improper flow and spill for out-migration and barriers to fish are just some of the problems that wild fish face. Our policy of no net loss of fish habitat applies to any industry that affects our industry and we will adamantly oppose actions that limit wild fish production.

Environmental impacts that jeopardize our industry – Toxic contamination is becoming a factor that is affecting our fisheries. Combined Sewer Overflows (CSO’s) on the Willamette River, nuclear waste leakage from the Hanford site on the Columbia River, dioxin discharges from paper mills and mercury contamination are just a few of the environmental factors that are beginning to jeopardize our industry. We will work to find solutions to these potential environmental disasters that currently affect our salmon and sturgeon fisheries to ensure a safe product for sportanglers to consume.

Future of Sportfishing

Pacific Northwest Fishing Destination – The Pacific Northwest is still a relatively untapped resource as a sportfishing destination. With the sportfishing options available to us and the possibility of working collaboratively as a group, we can make the Northwest a destination location for sport anglers worldwide. With catch and release fisheries a recent trend, the Northwest has some very under-marketed opportunities available for tapping.

Cooperation between Guides and Recreational Anglers – Continue to enhance the relationship between industry professionals and the general fishing public. It is important that we are viewed as good stewards of the resource and cordial participants in the sport. We will always work towards a positive relationship with our fellow anglers and engage them in our quest for better opportunities for all of us. We can do this through contributions of finances or volunteer labor in many different ways.

If you are all about changing the sportfishing opportunity in Washington and Oregon.  We ask you join NWGAA today.  Your participation as a member and more, greatly helps us in communicating, lobbying and more with legislators, commissioners and fishery managers in Oregon and Washington.