Historically, returns of around 2 million adult Chinook salmon were common in the Central Valley of California. However, the large dams built around the rim of the Central Valley do not have fish passage and have cut off access to more than 80% of the historical habitat for spring-run Chinook and steelhead, and almost 100% of the historical habitat for winter-run Chinook. Due to potential climate change effects on Central Valley streams, many researchers and agencies have recommended evaluating opportunities to reintroduce salmonid species into this historical habitat. In addition, NOAA Fisheries has stated in two biological opinions that fish passage needs to be implemented at several Central Valley rim dams. As a result, multiple agencies are working to examine the feasibility of providing passage at these dams. The California Department of Water Resources has developed a white paper, Technologies for Passing Fish at Large Dams. The Yuba Salmon Forum and NOAA Fisheries are investigating reintroduction options above Engle bright Dam on the Yuba River. The Central Valley Project Interagency Steering Committee is investigating fish reintroduction above Shasta, Folsom, and New Melones dams. Additionally, several agency personnel have participated in site visits at fish passage projects in Oregon and Washington to gather important information to help determine the feasibility of implementing fish passage at large rim dams. California can learn much from the many successful fish passage projects that have been completed in the Pacific Northwest. However, we have many difficult issues to resolve. Characteristics of the reservoirs, such as high reservoir temperatures, large fluctuations in reservoir water surface elevation, and long reservoir tributary arm distances, make designing a passage project challenging. In addition, the need for flood control, water storage, power generation, and recreation adds to the complexity. Ideally, we can overcome these hurdles and begin implementing these important projects.