Elmtree-
I beg to differ. This kind of discussion is exactly what we as a group need. I have learned a lot for reading all of this. Some of us haven't made up our minds and need to hear all sides.
Now, I have heard lots of info on dams... I lived in the tri cities for the last 13 years and have fished around the snake river dams frequently during that time. They are destroying the runs, period. Why?? choose your answer... 75 degree water temperature, no current, tons of predator fish (LARGE sturgeon, bass, walleye, pikeminnow, perch, catfish, etc...) sitting below the ladders and assorted fish paths, nitrogen, and pollution (barge and boat traffic). Remove them and the fish will return. Now, my view is not a popular one over there. I had many discussions with co-workers and other fisherman who are dam advocates. They are raised to believe dams must stay or the tri-cities will vanish from the face of the earth... (amazing if you consider that the area is built around a nuclear power site sitting at a standstill.) Take look at the upper snake in southeast Idaho. It has some of the best trout water in america. The entire river has the potential to be an incredible fish producer. Keep the dams and the fish will continue to disappear.