Traditional fishing methods still practiced by Native Americans near Lyle, Washington.
: : :
Prior to 1957,
the Columbia River Gorge was wild, turbulent
and dangerous.
: : :
Before the construction of
the Bonneville Dam and subsequent up river flooding it caused,
Ceililo Falls still plunged violently through a forty foot gap between
the rocky shores just east of The Dalles, Oregon.
This constriction in river provided
the ideal location for Native Americans to fish for migrating salmon.
These Native Americans stood on rickety
and dangerous looking platforms that hung precariously out over the rocks
while they used long handled nets to dip (dip nets)
the fish out of the cold, thunderous, cascading waters
of the mighty Columbia.
: : :
Treaties,
still give Native Americans the right to fish using these methods.
Although, now you will see this unusual activity on the Klickitat River,
a Columbia River tributary.
just a couple miles upstream from their confluence,
there is a very narrow chute
between the rocks where Fisher-Hill Road crosses the river on a tall bridge,
and it is here you will see fishing platforms clinging
to the steep rocky banks of the river.
: : :
Salmon migrate up from the Columbia River yearly.
Chinook salmon run June and late August,
ending in early October.
Steelhead and Coho salmon also run up the Klickitat
and share the river in September.
: : :
Here,
you see two fellows fishing from the rugged rocks along the bottom of the chute,
near where the Fisher-Hill Road bridge crosses high above them.
: : :
This traditional fishing method
provides an unusual scene in the era of drift netting,
purse seine and trawling which facilitates the mass harvesting of fish.
: : :
Quite refreshing.
: : :
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‘RURALITY BLOG HOP’ #35
Welcome to Rurality Blog Hop, a weekly photo meme!
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This is so interesting!
that does look precarious – but beautiful.
WOW this is an incredible shot Madge and I love that you explained how they fish. Great post. Hug B
Absolutely stunning photo – the composition and splash of color is amazing. Interesting facts, thanks for sharing.
And I like that he has a safety rope. connected to the rocks.
Wow! That is amazing beauty.
I think that is fascinating! I can almost hear the water roar.
Wow~ What a way to fish ~ Gorgeous photo ~ very vibrant colors ~ thanks, carol ^_^
The red coat adds a splash of colour! Thanks for hosting.
Gorgeous colors and I love the water! Such an interesting mini-history on Native American fishing. Love it!
Had to show that to my fisherkids. :) Very cool!
Almost looks too easy.
Wow, nice info and photo…thanks for hosting♫♪ http://lauriekazmierczak.com/happy-trails/
That is a great shot Madge!!
Interesting information about old traditions. Great shot Madge — thank you for hosting every week. xo
I don’t know a thing about the various ways to fish, but it is cool to see a fine photo of this traditional technique at such a beautiful spot.
Wow that is an awesome shot of the fishermen. What a whirling pool of water. My dad (not an Indian) actually fished Ceililo Falls when he was younger.
Gosh – stunning! If not a little bit dangerous looking! LOL!
Happy weekend to you!
xo Catherine
Madge, net fishing is still done in the HI Islands and so beautiful to see. You never fail with beautiful photography; I’m never disappointed, thank you.
Great perspective and stunning water.
contrast between rocks and water is simply amazing and even human subject made the “perfect shot”.great!!!