Fish

UCUT Fish Restoration Projects: Reintroducing Salmon, Protecting Native Species, and Revitalizing Columbia River Fisheries

Restoring Native Fish Populations and Revitalizing River Ecosystems Through Tribal-Led Projects in the Upper Columbia Basin

The Upper Columbia United Tribes (UCUT) are dedicated to restoring native fish populations and reconnecting aquatic ecosystems throughout the Columbia River Basin. Tribal efforts focus on fish passage, habitat improvement, and reintroduction of culturally significant species such as salmon, steelhead, and white sturgeon. These initiatives are vital to tribal lifeways, food sovereignty, and long-term ecological health.

Goals and Outcomes

Reintroduce salmon to historical spawning grounds above Grand Coulee and Chief Joseph Dams
Protect and enhance fish habitat across rivers, tributaries, and lakes
Monitor and manage fish populations using science-based and culturally guided methods
Collaborate regionally with tribal, federal, and state partners to restore and protect fisheries
Support tribal food systems and cultural traditions through sustainable fish recovery

View our Fish Projects

Northwest Regional Northern Pike Coordination Forum (NRNPCF)

In 2021, the Upper Columbia United Tribes began hosting the Northwest Regional Northern Pike Coordination Forum (NRNPCF), which is a space to share information and collaborate with other fisheries managers, researchers, and the general public on Northern Pike information, management strategies, and actions. Check back to this webpage for the latest information from this …

Phase 2 Implementation Plan (P2IP): Testing Feasibility of Reintroduced Salmon in the Upper Columbia River Basin

The Phase 2 Implementation Plan “P2IP”: A stepwise and scientifically adaptive approach to test the feasibility of restoring salmon to the Upper Columbia River basin that is focused on collaboration, cost effectiveness, and benefits for the entire region.

Restoring Salmon To The Upper Columbia River Basin

Where have our salmon gone? For thousands of years, salmon have been integral to the health of humans, wildlife, fish, habitat and water quality in the Columbia River Basin. Salmon were once abundant in the upper Columbia, Sanpoil, and Spokane Rivers but have disappeared because their habitats were blocked by the construction of hydroelectric dams. This loss wounded our region, the Columbia Basin, and even the Pacific Ocean, changing the lands, water, and people, altering ecologies and economies. UCUT is working to restore salmon by supporting their reintroduction into the upper Columbia River.

Salmon Reintroduction Upstream of Chief Joseph and Grand Coulee Dams

The Upper Columbia United Tribes have been working on reintroducing salmon into the blocked areas of the Upper Columbia River Basin, upstream of Chief Joseph, Grand Coulee, and Spokane River dams. This video highlights progress made to date, and the importance of returning salmon to the people and watersheds of the Upper Columbia region. https://youtu.be/fZH_IIGDZ_Y

Fish Passage and Reintroduction Phase 1 Report

Investigations Upstream of Chief Joseph and Grand Coulee Dams In May 2019, the UCUT completed Phase 1 of our phased approach to Fish Passage and Reintroduction into the U.S. and Canadian Upper Columbia Basin. The Phase I Report confirms the reintroduction of salmon to the U.S. portion of the upper Columbia River upstream of Chief Joseph Dam is likely to achieve identified tribal goals …

Frequently Asked Questions – Salmon Reintroduction Upstream of Chief Joseph and Grand Coulee Dams

Why do the tribes want to bring salmon back above Grand Coulee Dam? Answer: Since time immemorial, indigenous people in the Columbia basin sustained a way of life dependent on a healthy ecosystem. Salmon were, and continue to be, critical to the ecosystem and the physical and spiritual health of Northwest Indian tribes. Eighty years ago, Grand Coulee Dam cut off salmon from thousands …

No results found.

Explore More of Our Work

Want to see what else we’re doing across the Upper Columbia region? Browse all of our ongoing and completed projects.

All Projects

Meet the Tribes Behind the Work

Our projects are made possible by the leadership and collaboration of five sovereign tribal nations. Learn more about the Member Tribes that make up UCUT and their connection to this land.

Discover The Tribes

Have a Question or Want to Learn More?

We’re here to connect. Reach out to our team for more information about this project or to explore ways to get involved.

Contact UCUT