New Mill Creek fish ladder clears the way for salmon and steelhead in Walla Walla
By Dan Thesman on Thursday, June 18th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA — Construction continues on the new Mill Creek Diversion Dam Fish Ladder at Rooks Park to improve fish passage for migrating salmon and steelhead, officials said.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District, stated the new passage will assist juvenile fish moving downstream and adult fish returning to spawn. To protect local wildlife during construction, staff from the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) have cleared and relocated fish out of the active work zone.
Dylan Peters, a USACE public affairs specialist, explained that the “fish salvage” involves safely capturing fish from isolated maintenance areas and moving them upstream or downstream. CTUIR staff will continue monitoring the site to keep fish safe while construction is ongoing.
The overall cost of the project is $15 million, and it is currently projected for completion during the fall of 2027.
Photos courtesy, USACE, Walla Walla District
