2025 Fall Fish Rescue on the Upper Deschutes near Lava Island
Lava Island Fish Rescue – Planned for Friday, October 17 - Sunday, October 19
Each fall, as irrigation districts reduce flows in the Upper Deschutes to refill Wickiup Reservoir, side channels near Lava Island Falls run dry. This leaves thousands of fish stranded.
The Lava Island Fish Rescue is led each year by the Central Oregon Irrigation District (COID) and North Unit Irrigation District (NUID), with funding support from all eight districts of the Deschutes Basin Board of Control and the City of Prineville. They provide resources for the technical team and support the Deschutes River Conservancy’s role in coordinating community volunteers.
This effort balances the immediate need to rescue stranded fish with longer-term goals for water conservation and river restoration. Districts are investing in canal piping, on-farm efficiencies, and habitat conservation projects to improve water reliability for farms and fish alike. These ongoing efforts are expected to reduce—and ultimately eliminate—the need for salvage operations like this by 2028.
When
The rescue is PLANNED for October 17-19, may change depending on weather and Wickiup Dam operations. Volunteers will receive emails and text updates. Volunteer shifts are not yet availble but will open soon.
Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Shifts: 8–12, 9–12, or 12–5
What You’ll Do
Volunteers will work with professionals on one of three tasks:
- Catch fish – wade into pools to help collect stranded fish
- Carry fish – hike buckets of fish from pools to the river
- Count fish – identify and record fish as they are returned
What to Bring
- Waders (if catching or counting fish) or sturdy hiking boots (if carrying buckets)
- Water, snacks, and weather-appropriate clothes
- Volunteers under 14 must be accompanied by an adult
- NW Forest Day Pass or Season Pass
Coffee, water, snacks, and pizza will be provided for all volunteers.
Where to Meet
Locations vary each day (see map below).
Friday PM - Meadow Camp Day Use Area (day-use loop, not trailhead)
Saturday – Meadow Camp Day Use Area (day-use loop, not trailhead)
Sunday – Lava Island "Loading Area"
Day 3 – Lava Island "Loading Area"
Rescue Area
The rescue takes place along the side channel west of Lava Island, next to the Deschutes River Trail. This channel dries out during low flows.
Base 1: Meadow Camp Day Use Area (FS-41 road) – follow Fish Rescue signs
Base 2: Lava Island Day Use Area (day-use loop, not trailhead)
