Donations: Thank you to the Kitsap Community Foundation and Glen K. and June L. Jarstad Family Advised Fund for recent monetary donations to the Poggie Club. Donations from supporters allow the Kitsap Poggie Club to continue our community-oriented programs, including Salmon in the Classroom, Kids’ Fishing Party, Conservation Camp Scholarships and more. We greatly appreciate your support.

2026 Membership Dues: The new year rings in a new cycle for Poggie Membership dues. You can renew online at https://kitsappoggieclub.com/about/membership-application/ or check in with Treasurer Louie Morton.

Salmon in the Classroom: Our Salmon in the Classroom program is well underway with eggs delivered to the seven schools participating this year including South Kitsap High School, Burley Glenwood, Sunnyslope, South Colby, Manchester, Mullinex and Burley Christian. Once the eggs have hatched the schools will start feeding the young salmon.

We are excited to announce that we are in discussions with two additional schools to join next year’s Salmon in the Classroom program and we are working on two aquarium setups for them. Thanks to all Poggie volunteers who support the Salmon in the Classroom program and a special thanks to Russ Hallsted for working with the South Kitsap School District to add new schools and improve the program.

The release dates in the spring where students will visit Jarstad Park to release their salmon are 3/30 – 4/3/2026. We will need several volunteers during this time as each of the seven schools take field trips to release their salmon.

If you are interested in volunteering with Salmon in the Classroom, get in touch with Louie Morton at 360.689.0118

Fly Tying and Rod Building Classes: We are thrilled to announce the return of our fly tying and rod building classes. Thank you to our instructors Jerry Tomeo and Randy Fox! Find details below. Even if you have not signed up yet, contact the instructor if you’d still like to join.

Fly tying:
Tuesdays Jan 27th – March 10th
7:00-9pm
Learn the basic fly tying techniques for both wet and dry flies. All vices, tools and materials will be provided. Material and instruction fee of $25 payable to the Poggie Club at the first class.

Rod building:
Thursdays Jan 15th – March 12th
6:00-9pm
Learn how to build and repair your own special fishing rod. Instruction fee of $30 payable to the Poggie Club at the first class. Additional material fees for supplies of your choice.

 2026 Kid’s Fishing Party: The date for the 2026 Kid’s Fishing Party is Saturday April 25th, 2026. We are early in the planning process but there is plenty of work to do. Please join at a general meeting to get involved.

 2026 Winter Blackmouth Derby: We are still waiting to hear what the winter blackmouth season might look like. After the season is announced we are hoping to have another winter blackmouth derby this year.

Hatchery Volunteering: This time of the year our hatchery work is typically related to transferring salmon between ponds at Gorst Hatchery as well as some trips transferring salmon to net pens. If you have volunteered at the hatcheries recently, Lou may contact you as these volunteering opportunities arise.

The tribes require a background check in order to volunteer and this year there will be a new process for all volunteers, regardless of background checks completed in previous years. The tribe has given us the process for registering as a volunteer and completing the background check. If you’d like to learn more and get involved please contact Lou Rodriguez at 360-674-8371

Camp Easter Seals: We are extremely grateful to Hank Altenburg for his work over many years with the Camp Easter Seals trips. However, Hank needs to hand off Camp Easter Seals trips to someone else now. Please join us at a general meeting if you’d like to learn more or get involved.

Upcoming School Event Nights: Throughout the school year we participate in various school event nights including STEAM night, Native American Heritage night, etc. These are great opportunities to talk all things fishing with the students as well as promoting our annual Kid’s Fishing Party.

We have been invited to STEAM night at East Port Orchard Elementary School on 2/5/2026. If you would like to get involved, attend a general meeting or contact Russ Hallsted.

Poggie Merch: Since Poggie jackets are custom ordered, please contact kitsappoggieclub@gmail.com if you are interested in getting a Poggie Jacket.

Board Met: January 14th 7PM at Art Bruner Residence. Next board meeting is February 11th, 2026.

Dues: Please make sure you are caught up on your 2026 annual dues. Dues serve the community through camp scholarships, salmon in the classroom, Kid’s fishing party, etc. You can pay on the web at https://kitsappoggieclub.com/about/membership-application/, you can pay by mail, you can pay at a meeting. 

Don’t forget to invite your friends and family to our events and recruit them to join!

 Club needs: 

• Salmon in the classroom volunteers
• School event night volunteers (e.g., STEAM night, Native American Heritage night, etc.) – this is open ended and can range from talking about salmon, tying flys, rod building, etc.
• Camp Easter Seals lead and volunteers

Upcoming events:

• 1/15/2026: Rod building classes (first night)
• 1/27/2026 – Fly tying classes (first night)
• 2/5/2026 – STEAM night at East Port Orchard Elementary
• 2/17/2026 – February General Meeting
• 3/30 – 4/3/2026: Salmon In The Classroom release days
• 4/25/2026: 2026 Kid’s Fishing Party