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Washington Releases First Chinook Above Dam Since 1980

7/1/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife released 30 Chinook salmon above the Retention System on June 10, the first return since 1980.
The release, with Cowlitz Tribe, targets 300 Chinook in the Toutle watershed and uses a “trap and haul” truck to lift fish above the dam.
Tests from 2010-2015 showed half of steelhead could climb spillway unaided, indicating passability for salmon and prompting dam raise to increase sediment capacity.

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Story summary

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife released 30 Chinook salmon above the Retention System on June 10, the first return since 1980.
The release, with Cowlitz Tribe, targets 300 Chinook in the Toutle watershed and uses a “trap and haul” truck to lift fish above the dam.
Tests from 2010-2015 showed half of steelhead could climb spillway unaided, indicating passability for salmon and prompting dam raise to increase sediment capacity.