Fish passage in the Red River Drainage is a high priority for fishery managers working within this watershed. The Pelican River is a tributary to the Ottertail River that flows into the Red River. The Dutton Locks dam on the Pelican River near Detroit Lakes, Minnesota restricted fish movement in the river and in the Red River drainage. Lake sturgeon have been recently stocked into the Ottertail River and Detroit Lake as part of a recovery effort.

The existing dam located at the Dutton Locks were removed and replaced with a single channel rock rapids with step pools and a ford crossing, providing access to 10 miles of riverine habitat in the Pelican River.

Lake sturgeon now have access to additional habitat, thereby increasing the chances of success for lake sturgeon recovery. Restoring these connections and allowing fish passage increased habitat availability for all fish.