This news is about the end of a dam removal project. I believe this is also the end of the oldest dam removal project. The Klamath and IIRC the local tribes were the original test for salmon restoration/dam breach projects in the PNW, and subsequent programs are copying their success.

One of the things that makes salmon ladders more effective is introducing artificial noise of falling water. Turns out when salmon find themselves in still water they head for the sounds of the inflow, which dams either don't have, or are from spillways that the salmon cannot navigate.

Most salmon want to go back exactly where they are born, and on a three year cycle (or at least, that's the pattern on the Klamath). So if you were to introduce hatchery salmon in 2024, in 2027 and every three years after you'll have a full run, and only a small number of fish in the remaining years. Which probably isn't good for genetic diversity. So you end up having to stock at least 3 times, or just wait and see what happens.

NOAA page listing the history of work on this river (could use a timeline):

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/west-coast/habitat-conservati...

Whites Gulch Dam, ca 2008:

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/feature-story/building-networ...