FishPass

FishPass FishPass is the capstone project in the Boardman/Ottaway River Restoration in Traverse City, MI.

The mission of FishPass is to provide up- and down-stream passage of desirable fishes while simultaneously blocking and /or removing undesirable fishes. FishPass will replace the deteriorating Union Street Dam in downtown Traverse City, Michigan with an improved barrier featuring a fish-sorting channel and a nature-like river channel. FishPass will be the capstone of a ~20 year restoration project

on the Boardman (Ottaway) River, re-connecting the Boardman River with Lake Michigan. Once FishPass is constructed, scientists will optimize various sorting technologies and techniques below the barrier to maximize efficiency of passing desirable fishes and removing invasive fishes. The result will be a world-class technology and research center in a park-like setting.

09/01/2026

Check out this video! Thanks Team Elmers | North Michigan Concrete Asphalt Excavation Crane & Rigging

Team Elmers; THE BEST!
09/01/2026

Team Elmers; THE BEST!

09/01/2026
We love everything about this! Good stuff Adams Chapter Trout Unlimited and Conservation Resource Alliance - CRA!
08/30/2026

We love everything about this! Good stuff Adams Chapter Trout Unlimited and Conservation Resource Alliance - CRA!

Big news! The north section of the FishPass pedestrian bridge is in! -Take a peek from the Cass or Union Street bridges....
08/28/2026

Big news! The north section of the FishPass pedestrian bridge is in! -Take a peek from the Cass or Union Street bridges.

Thank you, to all of our contractors for this week’s overtime. This bridge is amazing and we can’t wait to walk across it, once complete!

08/28/2026

Thank you, Senator for visiting!

08/28/2026
08/23/2026

Conservation funding is competitive, and resources are limited, but this field runs on passion and partnership. The Crystal River Initiative proves what's possible when tribal nations, nonprofits, local governments, and communities unite around a shared vision, restoring a healthier river system while strengthening public access, recreation, and cultural connection to the land.

Leading the conversation:

DJ Shook, Senior Project Manager + Biologist, Conservation Resource Alliance - CRA

Nick Killian, Recreation Operations Manager, Crystal River Outfitters Recreational District

Brett Fessell, Restoration Section Leader + River Ecologist, Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians

Learn more about this session and grab your tickets to the Summit - michiganoutdoor.org

08/21/2026
Exciting progress!
08/19/2026

Exciting progress!

FishPass crews have started work on removing the temporary sheet pile from the Boardman River construction site. It’s a key milestone in the $30 million project to replace the Union Street Dam with an experimental new fish-sorting channel and research facility. The sheet pile’s removal by end of...

Address

310 W. Front Street , Office #310C
Traverse City, MI
49684

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+12314211834

Website

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