est. 2000
An organization dedicated to increasing the return of wild
steelhead to the waters of the Pacific Northwest
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Wild Steelhead Coalition | |||||
est. 2000 An organization dedicated to increasing the return of wild |
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1st Vice President, Jim Schmitz
Jim Schmitz was born an identical twin in Tacoma, Washington and has been thinking about rivers and fish his entire life. Much of Jim’s early life was spent fly fishing for Trout and Salmon throughout the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia. At the age of 9, his addiction for fly fishing and tying flies became his true passion. Jim has been fortunate to have had some great sportsmen in his life. They not only turned him onto his passions, but helped him realize the importance of sustaining and supporting our natural wonders.
As Jim moved onto the University of Washington, he studied fisheries and forest ecology. Throughout his college summers and four years post graduation, Jim guided fly flicking trips for Lost River Outfitters in Ketchum, Idaho. It was during this time where Jim got involved with the Idaho Nature Conservancy and Idaho Rivers United dealing with habitat restoration and the Salmon vs. Dams issue. Throughout this volunteer work, Jim realized the importance of focusing his efforts on the future of our wild Northwest Salmon and Steelhead. Today, Jim is excited to join the motivated efforts of the Wild Steelhead Coalition and its members to help ensure the survival of our wild fish and wild places.
After leaving his guiding days behind, Jim returned to graduate school and earned his Masters in Education with a focus on Biology and environmental sciences/education. Jim is highly motivated to take his personal and professional experiences and focus is energy to help the future generations. Currently, Jim is back in Tacoma with his wife Jenny, his son Will and his daughter Sydney. Jim is working with his father and taking as many sick days possible to chase fish and birds with his Golden “Ruby.”
“I have been involved with many non-profit groups over the past 10 years, but have found none so dedicated and focused as the Wild Steelhead Coalition. This group has made huge impacts on the future of our Northwest Steelhead and I am looking forward to years ahead helping steelhead.”