April 19, 2011 - Sisters Nugget - Fish screen readied for use in creek

Fish screen readied for use in creek

The screening device will intercept fish before irrigation water is passed into TSID's irrigation pipes. The completion of the fish screening system will coincide with the completion of TSID's piping project and precede the earliest possible return of anadromous fish through the Deschutes River system. The screen is expected to be placed into service as early as this week.

Chinook salmon and steelhead fry have already been reintroduced into Whychus Creek, and some have been observed making their way to the sea by successfully negotiating the new fish passage system at the dams on the lower Deschutes.

According to Riehle, early indications of success in fish reintroduction programs means that it is conceivable that a few returning anadromous fish could start appearing in the system as early as this year. Riehle stressed, however, that any significant returns are unlikely before 2012.