The boys and I went on our monthly field trip recently. We met my folks at a museum to look around a bit, then took a walk to the city fish ladder. I remember seeing it as a child and have wanted to take the boys there for years but I didn’t know exactly where it was.
Fortunately my parents knew just where to go. The walk was right along the river’s edge, which was a bit nerve-wracking for me…imagine a pair of energetic 6 year old boys wanting to “see the water” as they stood a foot from the edge of a rather full and very fast river. We made it safely, thank Heaven.
If you have a fish ladder anywhere nearby, I do recommend going to see it. What an amazing thing! There were actually salmon swimming around in the water and we saw a couple of them try to jump up a level. I can’t believe the jumps they’ll have to make further up the ladder. One of them looked to be 3 feet against a really strong current.
When we got home I looked it up and it turns out that most of the fish ladder activity takes place in the fall, so we’ll be going back for a visit then. I’m so excited about the pictures we may be able to get! 
Here’s a shot of some of the fish we saw at the ladder. Some of them were downright huge. I wonder if they’ll be bigger in the fall.
I took several other pictures that day, and they’re loaded up in my Flickr stream in the Fish Ladder set, in case you’re interested.
Anyone else have a fish ladder they’ve visited?
Earnest Parenting: advice for getting the best out of education.
I haven’t visit a fish ladder. I wish i can come sometime. I am so interesting what a fish ladder looks like. thanks for sharing!
Seems like you had a very good time with your kids. Based on the pics, that is a nice view. Especially, when the fishes goes down to the slide or what they call ” ladder “. Thanks for the informative post.
Excellent pics.
Really interesting
Thanks
Neo
These are great pictures Amy.. Was this is GR?? I’ve never been to one, but we always say it would be neat. I’ll have to see if there’s one out our way too..
I”m not a big fish lover, but there’s a plae when i can even catch a fish… even with the bare hands.
I’ve never heard of a fish ladder but it does sound like a good time! How fun that you got to take your kiddos!!!
I love the pic in your header!!! So you have 2 sets of twins, too? Life is fun, huh? 🙂
You really had fun guys. It also shows that you enjoyed your trip. I’m curious what fish is that? Thanks for sharing.
The fish ladder – interesting place for kids and your pictures are great!
didn’t even know what a fish ladder was – thanks
yes it would be a great place to take kids, will have to keep it in mind. great pics 🙂
Great post, thanks! We are very lucky to live on the west coast near Salmon spawning central. We have a few hatcheries nearby where we can see the fish in different stages of their growth and then even take part in setting them free when they’re ready. With rivers everywhere around here, we also find fish ladders here and there to help the fish get back to their spawning grounds. It’s a great program and really cool for kids (and adults) to learn about the fish and their lifecycle!
I’ve never bring my kids to place like this, but this is good idea.
I have heard first time about fish ladder but it does sound great especially for kids.
Law Firm Makati, I’m planning to go back in the fall and take pics when there are lots more fish. Then you can visit vicariously.
delson, thanks. It was really neat and I can’t wait to go back when the fish are leaping up the steps. Should be some amazing pictures.
Neo, thanks. 🙂 You’re always so complimentary.
JenD – yep. Email me and I’ll send you directions…and a parking warning! We got ticketed unfairly but the city seems to be trying to work it out.
Joomla, catching a fish with my bare hands would be quite the experience! Do you like to eat fish? I don’t. There are signs posted around the fish ladder banning any fishing within a hundred feet.
Helene, my folks took me to the fish ladder once as a child and I never forgot it. Funny what sticks in my pea brain, in’nt it? Yep, we’re kindred spirits with the twins, lol. I’ve been reading your blog for a few weeks now. Nice to meet you!
Melody those were salmon. I’m not sure if they’re a specific variety. They’re huge! I wonder if they’re the same size in the fall.
Jason, thanks! I think becoming an amateur photographer is a requirement in life nowadays.
Outdoor Living Furniture, thanks. 🙂
diaper cakes, it was fun. I did have to lift the younger boys up quite a bit so they could see over the barrier. And the whole “fall in the water” danger was a biggie. But other than that it’s a great trip!
Babywrap, wow! I never thought of going to a hatchery. I wonder if such a thing is available near me. I’ll have to check. Thanks for sharing the idea!
netbook feature if you ever take your kids to a fish ladder, let us know.
basins, one of the things I love most about being online is learning about other people’s experiences. There are so many things I’ve never thought about until someone else shared their story. Cool, huh?
I don’t think we have fish ladders here in our city. We have to settle with huge, museum-like aquariums that will probably cost thousands for the entrance fee alone. Too bad for us, huh.
Wholesale Printing, have you ever gone to the aquariums? They can be really neat. I agree about the huge fees to get in though. It can really hurt!