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PNW Salmon Part III: C.R. Dams

by Tryan Hartill

Looks like a salmon minefield.

Now back to the catch numbers.

Since 1933 was when the first dam went in, about 1937 would be the first year that the dams would effect the salmon returns in a major way.

Bonnevile and Grand Coulee were completed in ‘38 and ‘41 and none till ‘57. But after these 2 went in, it was the beginning of the end. Even though a few small spikes happened in 1942-1950, because of 5 La Nina years, that was basically the end of the great salmon runs.

From 1951-61 there was a major downturn that has a bit to do with weak La Nina, but mostly because of the 2 dams that were completed in 57’ and 58’, that cut off over 1600 miles of the snake to sockeye and chinook.
If it wasn’t for a major hatchery boom in 1960, it really would have gotten ugly.

Other dams have been put in, but very litle activity has happened in the last 25 years.
As seen in the catch chart, decent years are still possible with the dam setup, as 84-89 were all major catch years because the salmon had the right ocean conditions.

Could this year be the start of many good years of ocean conditions?
Let’s hope so.

Next post will be a bit about the Klamath dams and how/why they have chewed up way more salmon than they needed to, in the last few years.

Mar 20, 08:08 pm | Tryan Hartill
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1 On Mar 20, 09:50 pm, Tryan Hartill wrote:

Here is also a good link that describes the history of fishing in Oregon.

If you have any fishing stories from “back in the day”, post ‘em in the comments.
I can never get enough fishing stories!

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