South Bend Fish Ladder
Competed in 1988, this vertical slot ladder is located approximately 56 miles upriver of Lake Michigan. This ladder provides fish passage around the South Bend Dam, a non-electrical producing roller dam. The South Bend ladder includes a viewing window which allows biologist to monitor fish movement. A fish trap is also located here to allow fisheries personnel to collect adult brood fish to supply eggs for our hatcheries. Attraction water can be supplied to the lower end of this ladder to improve fish passage. Incorporated into the South Bend Fish ladder is a small demonstration hydroelectric facility. Cost of this fish ladder was approximately $1.1 million dollars. An additional $200,000 (non-DNR funds) was spent on the hydroelectric facility.