Fishes of the Columbia Basin

Dennis Dauble, with over three decades of fisheries experience in our regional waterways, will speak on the history of fish and fishing in North Central Washington and Columbia Basin. Dennis will address historic fishing practices of local tribes, the impact of white settlement on aquatic resources, and contemporary conflicts between our public values and resource management policies. Intimately acquainted with our local watersheds, Dennis’ presentation will be rewarding and timely for any angler or resident. Following the presentation, Dennis will sign copies of his award-winning guidebook, "Fishes of the Columbia Basin."

For anyone who has a natural curiosity about the abundant variety of fish species in the Columbia Basin, fisheries biologist Dauble's award-winning guidebook, Fishes of the Columbia Basin: A Guide to their Natural History and Identification, begins by answering familiar questions such as "What kind of fish is that?" and "What does it eat?" — and then takes the reader much farther.

In Fishes of the Columbia Basin, Dauble uses his three-plus decades of professional experience as a fisheries biologist and a lifetime as a fisherman to discuss the 60-plus fish species that inhabit our Columbia Basin. Dauble delves into a variety of factors, including historical studies, current fishery science, ecology, behavior, basic biology, and environmental factors.

Dauble's book includes handy references, such as a list of species by family, locations of Columbia River tributaries and dams, and websites related to fish and fishing. Loaded with 147 illustrations, the book also includes 16 pages of color plates designed to aid readers in identifying fish.

Dauble hopes his guidebook will be stored in tackle boxes across the region as a ready guide to fishes that are caught, or encountered, while wading or snorkeling the inland waterways. "Life is too short for anyone not to have a book on fishes," says Dauble.

Praise for Fishes of the Columbia Basin

"The breadth of ecological information presented in this volume is remarkable, placing this title firmly in the 'must have' library of the avid fisherman." — The Entertainer Extra

"Over the past century, nothing in the Columbia Basin has changed so much as the movement of water and the mixture of fish. Dennis Dauble reconstructs the drainage from the earliest geology to the tiniest sculpin, piece by piece. He has created a guidebook not only for anglers but for anyone who wants to peer into the liquid soul of the Interior." — Jack Nisbet, award-winning author of The Collector, Sources of the River and Visible Bones

"What fisherman hasn't had the experience of trying to identify the strange fish that decided to take a lure? Dennis Dauble's Fishes of the Columbia Basin can answer that question, and perhaps even help you settle a bet with a friend. I wish this book had been in my tackle box when I moved to the Northwest 30 years ago." — Tri-City Herald

"In Fishes of the Columbia Basin, Dennis Dauble has taken a lifelong passion for fish, placed it in historical context and laid the groundwork for a fish-informed public. He conveys the enthusiasm scientists have for fish, [and] gives you the background to appreciate fish diversity." — Douglas F. Markle, Professor Emeritus, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University

About the Author

Dennis Dauble received his doctorate in fisheries from Oregon State University. Dauble studied the life history and ecology of resident and anadromous fishes during his 35-year career at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. He has authored more than 60 journal articles and 50 technical reports, on topics ranging from radioactivity in white sturgeon to recovery planning for Chinook salmon. He is currently an adjunct professor at Washington State University-Tri Cities and a speaker in the Humanities Washington Inquiring Minds program.

Buy a SIGNED copy of Fishes of the Columbia Basin: A Guide to their Natural History and Identification - $16.50