SALMON, Idaho (KIFI) – To keep fish from ending up in irrigation ditches, irrigators who divert water from local rivers and streams are being asked to contact Idaho Fish and Game’s Anadromous Fish Screen Program at least once a week before turning on their water.
This will allow Fish and Game to get any fish screen in the canal up and running before irrigation water is needed. Fish screens let water through but not fish or debris. Any fish that enter the screen are directed to an underground bypass pipe and safely returned to the river or stream.
The upper Salmon River and many of its tributaries provide critical habitat for Chinook salmon, steelhead, and other fish to spawn and raise as juveniles. After hatching, juvenile salmon and steelhead spend one to two years searching for suitable habitat where they can find food and cover until they migrate downstream to the ocean. It is during this time, when young fish are actively migrating, that they are at risk of being diverted into one of the many canal systems.
Because of the fish testing efforts, all fish are safely returned to the river or stream. Fish screens not only prevent the loss of Chinook salmon and steelhead, but sockeye salmon, cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, bull trout and mountain whitefish.
The success of the fish screening program was measured in a study that counted fish as they were returned to the river after diversion. It was found in the Lemhi River, up to 88% of all migrating juvenile Chinook salmon are diverted into at least one canal system as they migrate downstream.
Fortunately, Idaho Fish and Game’s screen program, water users, and area landowners have successfully worked together to prevent the loss of fish to canal systems for over 65 years. The Screen Program currently operates and maintains more than 280 fish screens installed in partnership with local landowners and water users.
You can contact Idaho Fish and Game’s Anadromous Fish Screen Program at 208-756-6022.
