Local,I was at the Barrier dam yesterday so I can sort of update you..For starters I would go tothe local store and buy at least a case of your favorite drink. Then grab your video cam. and head to the river. I spent more time on the bank watching an laughing then fishing. Yes there are absolutely tons of fish. Everybody with a sharp hook and a quick jerk was catching fish. However, I never caught or seen anything caught that would go on my barbeque so I lined(oops!!) a few and quit!the majoriy of the guys seemed to be getting quite ofew bites using jigs with a 3-4ft jigging motion. This appeared to be quite effective in getting the fish to "bite".
Every few years I have to subject myself to this type of humor to remind myself why I do not fish these places. However, If you don't mind crowds and dark fish (along with sideshows) then it doesn't get any better then the Barrier Dam right now! Go gettum!!!!