As we inch closer to WaterWatch of Oregon’s 40th Anniversary Celebration and Annual Auction on Saturday, Nov. 1st, at Castaway Portland, we can’t believe the volume of auction packages we still want to share with you ahead of doors opening. One thing we do know is if you love to fish, you’ll be right at home at this year’s auction!
For starters, we have three guided fishing packages available in our live auction, including:
- Two days of Steelheading the North Umpqua for one or two anglers with Rich Zellman of Steelhead Water. Along with accommodations at a two-story townhouse at the Dogwood Motel in Idleyld Park the first week of August 2026, you won’t go hungry with gift certificates to local eateries The Atom Bistro and Coho Pizzaincluded as part of this package.
- The Steelheading the Oregon Coast package also features two days of guided fishing, this time for winter steelhead — the crown jewel of Oregon’s North Coast rivers — with Nick Rowell of Anadromous Anglers. This two angler package includes Nick’s hand-tied flies along with rods, reels, lines, and three nights at the Surf and Sand Inn in Pacific City and a gift certificate to The Riverhouse.
- And you can join WaterWatch’s Jesse Robbins for two days of fly fishing and floating as part of our McKenzie River Fly Fishing package for one or two anglers in the spring or fall of 2026. Also included are two nights at the McKenzie Orchards Bed and Breakfast Inn, and gift certificates for evening dining and drinks at the PublicHouse in Springfield and Tiny’s West Coast Kitchen.
To match these fishing packages, bring your ideal fly rod as part of the St. Croix Fly Rod of Choice silent auction package. Choose between the new St. Croix Fly single-handed rod families, including Evos, Evos Salt, and Technica, as well as Switch rods from the Imperial family. And to complete your kit, bid on a brand-new Boundary Stockingfoot Wader from Grundéns.
Big thanks to Portland-based Gorge Performance for coming on board as an event sponsor for our 40th Anniversary Celebration. Located next to the Portland Kayak Company one mile north of the Sellwood Bridge on the river side of Macadam Ave. west of Willamette Park, Gorge Performance offers a variety of surf, snow, skating, paddleboard, wetsuits, and foil gear.
And while we hope you can make it to our 40th Anniversary Celebration and Annual Auction, if you can’t attend, consider a one-time gift of $100 to WaterWatch to utilize a Golden Ticket to choose from many of this year’s live auction packages if your number is drawn — or take advantage of our Proxy Bidding option if you’re unable to be there in person! Otherwise, we’ll see you when doors open at 5 p.m. next Saturday, Nov. 1st, at Castaway Portland.
Banner photo courtesy of Steelhead Water.