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Columbia River Treaty Tribes
Salmon Culture Treaties

Ancient Fishing Techniques

Tribal fishers use a variety of ancient fishing techniques to harvest salmon in the Columbia basin. Some are designed for the big waters of the Columbia River, while others are customized for the smaller streams and rivers of the upper tributaries.


Platform fishing at Willamette Falls in Oregon City, Oregon.
Platform fishing is most common on the larger rivers in the Columbia basin. These wooden structures are constructed during low-water periods with engineering techniques that have been handed down for generations. They serve to provide accessible fishing locations to favorable fishing sites. Despite their precarious appearance, they are very stable. Platform sites belong to individual families. Tribal fishers using these scaffolds are most likely fishing in the same location their own ancestors did. The nets used in this style of fishing are either dipnet or set nets that are lowered into the water beneath the platform. Pulling up nets heavy with salmon takes it toll on the backs of the fishers that use these scaffolds.


"I can remeber the feeling of getting yanked around and feeling that my arms were going to come out of their sockets when I dipnetted my first salmon. It was on the Rapid River [in Idaho] and I was twelve at the time. I thought I was going to get pulled in, but no one would help. It was totally left up to me to bring the fish in.
James Holt, Nez Perce
In the smaller rivers and streams of the Columbia basin, dipnetting is favored over scaffolds or netting, primarily because it allows considerable control. This is important, as the swift currents and rocks are constant threats to fishers and their nets. It takes considerable skill to control the net, attached to a pole sometimes as long as 25 feet (7.6m). Adding to the difficulty is having to do all this standing in water that can be lower than 60°F (15°C).

Historically, these nets were made from hemp twine. They were then bound to wooden hoops with sinew and sealed with tree pitch. The long poles were stripped pine saplings that were selected for their straightness and length. Nets made now have the same overall design, but use modern materials. The nets are tied with the same knots that ancient nets were, but the hemp twine has been replaced with steel-reinforced plastic net wire on steel hoops. Many poles are still made from pine saplings, but it is not uncommon to see bamboo, aluminum, or even fiberglass poles mounted to the nets.

continue to Modern Fishing Techniques >>

Words of our Leaders

Our very existence depends on the respectful enjoyment of the Columbia Basin's land and water resources.

Nelson Wallulatum
Wasco Chief of the Warm Springs

 

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