Herman the Sturgeon is not a Fish Story

Sept 16/2014  Weather 75 sunny, night 55
We are over the state border in a quaint little town called Cascade Locks on the Columbia River, about 30 miles east of Portland, Oregon - camped out at the KOA.  Tip:First thing we learned was that we needed to pronounce it  Or - a - gun.   Billy and I are often saying we are headed to Or - a - gone  next and right away the person will say "your not from here are you?"  

Bonneville Dam & Locks & Powerhouses

We are just down the road from Bonneville Dam which was constructed in the early 30's to help with navigation and harness the power.  When we checked in the camp host said "you should go see it, it's really interesting and free".  Why not? 

Fish Ladders

Once we walked through the history and short films on the construction of the dam and so forth we also became aware of  the critical effect on the the salmon and steelhead spawning. 

Below the ladders you can view the Salmon charging up stream

As part of the dam the US Army Corp of Engineers also constructed intricate fish spillways and fish ladders that they navigate from one side of the dam to the other.

Fish Hatchery- elegant old buildings - surrounded by rearing ponds

US Army Corp also financially assisted the on site fish hatchery built in 1909.   The hatchery incubates eggs, hatches, rears them in ponds, and spawn the adults as well.  All are released back into the Columbia River, Coho and Chinook Salmon,  Rainbow Trout and  White Sturgeon.   Do you know about the Pacific White Sturgeon?  Well this was a surprise to us - they can grow to 20 feet long, over a 1000 lbs and live till they are 100 years old!!!  River Monsters.  Are you ready to meet Herman?

Herman is 70 years old, 10 feet long and 450 lbs

Side view of Herman in the Fishtank