Foster Dam sees thousands of returning salmon and steelhead annually, as ODFW reports spring fishing updates, invasive species risks, and shifting stocking conditions statewide.
Oregon — Fish returning to Foster Dam continue to reflect steady annual runs, as the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) released its latest weekly recreation report highlighting spring fishing conditions, regulatory updates, and environmental concerns.
At Foster Dam, adult salmon and steelhead enter a fish ladder on the south side before being held in a trap for processing by hatchery staff. Operations occur one to three times per week depending on seasonal returns. On average, the system collects about 4,000 spring Chinook, 4,700 summer steelhead, and 670 winter steelhead each year.
Hatchery crews retain select hatchery fish for broodstock—about 500 pairs of Chinook and 700 pairs of summer steelhead—while unmarked spring Chinook and winter steelhead are released upstream into native habitat along the South Santiam River…