LB, lets see we have had dams since the 50s, um, how was fishing in the 50's, 60's, 70's etc. Well as a life long Washingington resident, and a 70's Westport Charter boat owner I can tell you the fishing was great, the limit was 3 fish a day 7 days a week. We were the Salmon capital of the world.
No, the dams are not the problem. The problem stems primarily from too many nets in rivers not allowing fish to make it to the spawning beds. There are other issues that also effect the downturn in Salmon, but I would bet if you get the gill nets out of the rivers, that within 5 years we would see a huge return of salmon for all the fisherman.
Just my $.02.........