Public invited to Lampreypalooza at Bonneville Dam July 9

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission invite the public to Lampreypalooza – an afternoon of science, storytelling, and up-close encounters with one of the Northwest’s most ancient native fish.

Returning to Bonneville Dam on July 9, Lampreypalooza is a free, family-friendly event that highlights the cultural importance of Pacific lamprey and the efforts to support their recovery. Visitors can explore live demonstrations, hear from Tribal representatives, and see lamprey up close.

All events are open to the public and take place at Bonneville Dam.

Lampreypalooza Public Events – July 9

All Day
📍 Bradford Island Visitor Center Theater

• The Lost Fish – Short film playing on loop.

📍 Bonneville Fish Hatchery

• Lamprey holding tank demonstration – Presented by CRITFC.

12:30–1:15 p.m.
📍 Bradford Island Visitor Center Theater

• Tribal perspectives on The Lost Fish
  Aaron Jackson (Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation) shares insights into Corps-Tribal lamprey recovery efforts since The Lost Fish was released. Additional Tribal staff will be available for Q&A.

1:30–3:30 p.m.
📍 Bradford Island Fish Ladder Observation Deck

• Lamprey pot trap demonstration – CRITFC fisheries experts will show trapping methods.
• Live lamprey viewing tank – See Pacific lamprey up close.
• USACE Park Ranger Talk – Learn how lamprey migrate through the fish ladder and what’s being done to support their passage.

Why lamprey?
Pacific lamprey are a key species in the Columbia River Basin. They’re culturally significant to Tribal Nations, play an important role in the food web, and have survived hundreds of millions of years of environmental change. Lampreypalooza shines a light on these ancient fish, and the partnerships working to protect them.

Directions and access information 
Bradford Island Visitor Center directions: Take exit 40, I-84, four miles west of Cascade Locks, Oregon. At the flag pole intersection, bear right. After stopping at the guard station, cross the navigation lock and past Powerhouse One. Follow the signs for about one mile to the visitor center. 

Bonneville Fish Hatchery directions: Take exit 40, I-84, four miles west of Cascade Locks, Oregon. At the flag pole intersection, bear left and follow down to the hatchery.