Step into the Fascinating World of Pacific Lamprey on June 24 at Bonneville Dam for Lampreypalooza

Jun 18

Written By Columbia Community Connection

From Army Corps of Engineers:

The Dalles, Ore., June 18, 2026 — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission invite the public to Lampreypalooza for a day of science, storytelling, and up-close encounters with one of the Northwest’s most ancient and culturally significant native fish.

Feeling curious about these unique creatures? Come see what all the hullabaloo is about at Lampreypalooza 2026!

Returning to Bonneville Dam on June 24, Lampreypalooza is a free, family-friendly event highlighting the importance of Pacific lamprey and the collaborative efforts to support their recovery. From 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., visitors can explore interactive exhibits, see live lamprey, and hear from Tribal representatives and fisheries experts across multiple locations at the dam.

“Lampreypalooza is a unique opportunity for the public to connect with a species that has been vital to this region’s ecosystem and Tribal cultures for thousands of years,” said Jacob Macdonald, creator of Lampreypalooza and Technical Lead of Hydrologic and River Engineering for the Corps’ Portland District. “We are proud to open the doors to Bonneville Dam with the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, Tribal Nations, and many other regional experts to share the story of the lamprey and the work being done to protect them.”

The following Tribes and their respective representatives, along with other organizations will be in attendance:

Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation
Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation
Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon
Nez Perce Tribe

Lampreypalooza Public Events – June 24

Bonneville Fish Hatchery

10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Representatives from CRITFC and their member Tribes will showcase the Columbia and Willamette Basin lamprey translocation programs and mobile laboratory for genetics and DNA sequencing. Tours of the hatchery will also be provided.

Bradford Island Visitor Center (BIVC)

10:00 a.m. – Official Commencement of Lampreypalooza.
11:00–11:45 a.m. – Presentation by Jeremy Five Crow (CRITFC).
12:00–12:45 p.m. – Presentation by Grace Adams & Laurie Porter on The Pacific Lamprey Conservation Initiative (PLCI).
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Explore tables and exhibits from a wide range of partners, including Yakama Nation Fisheries, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR), and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. See lamprey tagging technology, eDNA displays, and a live lamprey tank.

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 passionate scientists working to protect them for future generations.

Directions and access information
Bradford Island Visitor Center directions: Take exit 40 from I-84. At the flagpole intersection, bear right. After stopping at the guard station, cross the navigation lock and Powerhouse One. Follow the signs for about one mile to the visitor center.

Bonneville Fish Hatchery directions: Take exit 40 from I-84. At the flagpole intersection, bear left and follow the road down to the hatchery.