DWORSHAK – Fish tankers across Idaho will soon hit the road, showcasing vibrant artwork created by local students. The project stems from the Lower Snake River Compensation Plan’s “Salmon for the Future” art contest held last spring, which invited K-12 students to submit original portraits of salmon and steelhead.

More than 240 students participated, creating colorful designs inspired by the theme. The winning entries are now being transformed into eye-catching wraps for the tankers that transport young fish, or smolts, to release sites throughout Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.

Each year, these tankers collectively deliver around 20 million smolts as part of ongoing efforts to support fish populations in the Snake River Basin. The first trucks featuring the student artwork are nearly ready and will be on the road just in time for spring releases.

The Dworshak Fisheries Complex shared the news on social media, encouraging the public to keep an eye out for the newly decorated tankers. “That might be your fish rollin’ down the river!” they said.