Cowlitz River Project Fishery Programs

The Cowlitz River fishery program funded by Tacoma Power is among the largest in Washington State. Today's program evolved from continuous efforts to support an excellent fishery resource in the Cowlitz River Basin.
Supporting the anadromous fisheries are two hatcheries owned by Tacoma Power and a trap-and-haul program to assist passage of juvenile and adult fish around the dams. In addition, the two reservoirs and Swofford Pond are stocked with a variety of resident fish, providing a diverse sports fishery.

Downstream migrating salmonids from in the upper Cowlitz River are collected at Lewis County PUD's Cowlitz Falls Dam and transported by truck to "stress relief ponds" at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery. After acclimating in the ponds, they are released to the lower river to continue their journey to the ocean.

Downstream migrating salmon entering Mayfield Lake from the Tilton River are screened to a fish passage channel at Mayfield Dam so they can swim to the lower river without passing through the powerhouse turbines.

Upstream migrating salmon and steelhead are diverted to a fish ladder at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery where they are used for hatchery brood stock or transported to upper or lower river sites.

The best methods for maintaining a healthy fish habitat was the primary concern of most agencies, tribes and organizations participating in Tacoma Power's relicensing process for the Cowlitz River Project. Tacoma Power's settlement agreement and federal license (link) are consistent with regional efforts to restore wild salmon.

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