Tacoma Power’s Cowlitz River fisheries management program is among the largest in Washington. Today's program evolved from continuous past efforts to support an excellent fishery in the Cowlitz River Basin.

The anadromous fisheries are supported by two hatcheries owned by Tacoma Power. Our trap-and-haul program assists the passage of juvenile and adult fish around the dams. In addition, the two reservoirs and Swofford Pond are stocked with a variety of fish and provide a diverse sports fishery.

Juvenile salmon and steelhead migrating downstream from the upper Cowlitz River are collected at Lewis County PUD's Cowlitz Falls Dam, upstream of Riffe Lake, 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 diverted with a screen 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 in the Cowlitz River below the dams are diverted to a fish ladder at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery. From there, Tacoma Power transports them by truck to upper or lower river sites. Some of the adults are retained at the hatchery to produce the next generation of fish.

Retaining and restoring quality 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 2003 federal license are consistent with regional efforts to restore wild salmon.

Learn more about Cowlitz River fisheries and hatcheries management.

For recorded information about river flows, lake levels and boat launch usability, call fishing and recreation at (888) 502-8690.