Fish wheel on the Columbia River, ca. 1910

Photograph of a fish wheel on the Columbia River, ca. 1910. The fish wheel is tied to the posts on the rocky shores in the foreground. Two planks run from the boat to the shores. A building is visible (at left). Trees cover the elevated land around the river.; "The fish wheel's main purpose is to catch fish. The fish wheel is simple to build. It's made from the wood in the surrounding area. People collect raft logs and green poles for the fish wheels. There are two paddle-like spokes on a wheel that radiates from a wooden axle and two wire baskets used to scoop fish. Water currents turn the fish wheel and as it goes around the fish swim into one of the wire baskets. The fish then fall into the box where they are stored until the fishermen return. The fishermen pick the fish up, then the people spend all day cutting the fish from the wheel and drying them." -- unknown author.