Gifts from the Creator

Fishing Traditions

Sustaining Salmon

Inter-tribal Cooperation

Fishing Traditions

Columbia River tribes continue to use traditional fishing gear. Dip nets can still be seen today while driving Highway 84 along the Columbia River. The long handle enables men to reach far across any river from their perch on shore. Fish traps are used in smaller streams and creeks.

Fishermen return to locations along the river that have been maintained by their fathers and grandfathers; their rights to these spots are not only respected by other tribal members but have also been recognized by the courts.

"Celilo Falls Fishing," undated.

David Wolf, Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, Dip Net 1998.