Bill Mcmillan - Wild Fish Conservancy
Washington, U.S.A

“In 1895, there were 90,000 wild steelhead returning to the Stillaguamish River. Today, there’s about 600.”  Ask Bill McMillan about the “good old days” of steelheading, and that’s the kind of answer you’ll get.

As a field biologist and President of the Board for the Wild Fish Conservancy, based in Duvall, WA, Bill is one of the foremost authorities on historical fish population data analysis. His numbers form the basis for anadromous fish preservation efforts from California to Alaska, and his expertise is sought by fellow scientists and conservation groups alike. The findings of his research, as mentioned  above, are frequently staggering.

Inspired by Roderick Haig-Brown’s words and his father’s example of social activism, Bill has nearly replaced his passion for catching steelhead with a determination to save them.

But, from his cabin above the magnificent Skagit River, Bill still finds time to take to the water in pursuit of the fish he loves so much. If you ever run into a guy fishing a full floating line for winter steelhead, chances are, it’s Bill.  Don’t be surprised when you see him hook up.