Introduction | People | Fish | Habitat Activities | Index | Feedback | New Activities Fish Wheels Many people think that the first fish wheel was invented in China. They have been used in countries all over the world including China, Japan, France, and the United States. Fish wheels were being used to catch fish in North Carolina as early as 1829. This technology was in use in the Columbia River drainage by 1879. Gold stampeders brought the technology to Alaska in the late 1800's where it quickly caught on along Interior river systems. Fish wheels consist of two large baskets that turn on an axle. They are rotated by the river current and scoop up passing fish as they turn. Captured fish slide down a chute into a holding box that is emptied several times a day. Fish wheels used by researchers have a water-filled live box that hold fish unharmed until they can be measured, tagged and released to continue their upstream migration. Back to the activity Text and graphics by USFWS staff Last modified 18 January, 2006