Three Rivers Trout Unlimited - June 2025 Newsletter
As spring gives way to summer, the rivers swell with snowmelt, the forests hum with new life, and the salmon begin their ancient journey home — a reminder that every season carries its own call to care for the waters we share.
Spring arrives to Laughing Jacobs Creek a welcoming party for the kokanee fry as they head into the lake. Photo Credit: Katey Queen
Kokanee Fry Trapping — 2025 Season Wrap-Up
This year we experienced a phenomenal kokanee fry run! Nearly 40,000 kokanee fry were counted between late February and early May in Laughing Jacobs, Lewis, and Ebright creeks. These counts represent just a subsample - snapshot of the total fry leaving these key spawning tributaries and making their way toward Lake Sammamish.
A huge thank you to EVERYONE who volunteered this spring. Many of you spent long evenings counting thousands of kokanee fry each night — your time, care, and dedication make this project possible, year after year. We could not have done it without you!
If you have any photos, videos, or would like to share your experience from this year’s trapping season, please reach out to our Operations Manager at katey@threeriverstu.org — we’d love to feature your stories!
Exciting News: New 5 Rivers Costa TU Club at the University of Washington!
We’re thrilled to announce that Trout Unlimited’s Costa 5 Rivers collegiate program has officially launched a new chapter at the University of Washington! This student-led club brings together the next generation of coldwater conservationists, fly anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts right on campus.
The UW Costa 5 Rivers Club will serve as a hub for students to build community around fly fishing, learn about local watersheds, participate in conservation projects, and build lifelong skills in stewardship. As part of the national TU 5 Rivers network, these students will have opportunities to connect with professionals in the conservation world, volunteer on restoration efforts, and share their passion for protecting fish and their habitats.
Our chapter looks forward to supporting these students as they grow their club, and we’re excited to see the energy and innovation they bring to the TU community here in the Three Rivers area.
UW Fly Fishing Club - TU Costa 5 Rivers took a break from studying before dead week to get some time on the Snoqualmie River. Photo Credit: Kellen Garcelon
How You Can Help:
As this new club gets off the ground, we’re actively seeking donations and support to help jumpstart their activities — including organizing outings, acquiring shared gear, and providing mentorship opportunities. If you're a UW alum, a TU member, or simply passionate about investing in the next generation of conservation leaders, your contribution can make a direct impact.
If you’re a UW student or know someone who might be interested in joining, reach out to us — we’re happy to help connect you!
Puget Sound Women On The Fly
PSWOTF is a place for women anglers in the greater Puget Sound area to build community, share fly fishing stories, connect, plan fly fishing adventures, and simply network. We are an open, welcoming, and positive community, committed to ensuring all women anglers feel respected and valued. We currently have 393 members and counting! Our activities range from fly-tying and local river outings to beginner clinics. We are a very active group, often having several activities lined up each month, and we support 3RTU activities.
PSWOTF is a very active women’s group that 3RTU supports. There are currently 393 members and growing!
Get Involved — We Need You!
We have a full calendar of events this summer and fall, and we’d love to see you out on the water, at the park, or helping behind the scenes. Whether you can lend a hand for an hour, assist with event setup, or help lead activities, your participation makes these community efforts possible. These events are a great way to meet others, learn more about our local watersheds, and contribute to meaningful conservation work. If you’re interested in volunteering, please reach out to Katey at katey@threeriverstu.org — all skill levels and schedules are welcome! Be sure to stay tuned for additional events and updates on our website and social media.
Call for participation in this years Salmon Days in downtown Issaquah! Join our tabling, demonstrations, and engagement with this PNW tradition. We would love to see you there - for an hour, a day or all weekend!
Highlight of just some of the upcoming events with us
Save the Date: Run with the Kokanee — October 18, 2025!
Join us this fall for the annual Run with the Kokanee, a 5K and 10K fun run at beautiful Lake Sammamish State Park in Issaquah, WA. This family-friendly event brings together trail runners, nature lovers, and conservation supporters to raise awareness and funds for our local kokanee salmon recovery efforts and other watershed restoration projects led by the Three Rivers Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Volunteers Needed!
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
Time: Races begin at 9:30 AM, with the event wrapping up before noon
Location: Lake Sammamish State Park, Issaquah, WA
Distances: 5K and 10K options
Proceeds from the event directly support our chapter’s work to protect Lake Sammamish kokanee salmon, preserve local watersheds, and engage the community in hands-on conservation.
We are currently looking for volunteers to help with event logistics, outreach, setup, and day-of support. If you’re interested in lending a hand and being part of this fun and meaningful event, please contact our Operations Manager at katey@threeriverstu.org.
Help us spread the word and bring your friends, family, and running shoes — we look forward to seeing you on the trails!