Although the CDFG began screening in the 1930s, there has been no apparent urgency in completing necessary screening in Siskiyou County until pressure was applied by the Klamath River Fisheries Task Force. Currently the CDFG screens at a rate of about 3 ditches per year. They also provide regular maintenance of the screens and winter overhauls. Unfortunately, screen specifications for coho and steelhead differ and up until last year, State and federal agencies could not come to a consensus on specifications. Dept. of Fish and Game and NMFS specs.
All screens are custom made to fit the ditch.
As permanently placed structures, some screens have been left high and dry due to seasonal change in summer watercourse within the channel. Some diversions are remote or not physically capable of being screened by known engineering methods. During high winter flows, screens must be pulled to avoid damage. Many ranchers have winter stockwatering rights. There is no known physical way to prevent fish from entering the ditches during this period.