Abstract
A fish ladder, weir, and raceway at Whitlock Spawning Station are used to capture and retain feral fall Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) for spawning from Lake Oahe, South Dakota. Nearly 40% of the salmon ascending the fish ladder have been documented to escape from the holding raceway by descending the ladder. This manuscript describes modifications to the weir that eliminated nearly all escapements, except for an inconsequential number of small non-spawning fish. The modified design using the existing structure incorporated free-swinging, spaced steel bars with a back-stop to create a one-way gate. The modified gate does not require springs, hydraulics, or electrical power. It is relatively simple to construct and requires minimal maintenance.
Highlights
The capture of wild salmon to provide gametes for artificial propagation is a common occurrence [1]
Fish for spawning can be obtained by a number of different methods, including traps, weirs, and fish ladders [2] [3] [4]
A weir can be added to a fish ladder to discourage the downward movement of fish initially ascending the ladder
Summary
The capture of wild salmon to provide gametes for artificial propagation is a common occurrence [1]. Fish for spawning can be obtained by a number of different methods, including traps, weirs, and fish ladders [2] [3] [4]. These capture devices may allow the unhindered in-and-out movement of fish, barriers are frequently incorporated into the structures to prevent fish escapement [4] [5] [6]. Whitlock Spawning Station on Lake Oahe, South Dakota, USA, uses a fish ladder, weir, and raceway to capture and hold feral landlocked Chinook salmon. The success of artificial propagation in this population is often poor [10] [11]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
