Abstract: A device for assisting fish to circumnavigate obstacles such as dams is provided with a system of chambers within each of which is disposed an inclined, water permeable, floating screen movable up and down depending on the level of water in the chamber. The level of water is controlled by a system of strategically located gates and valves. The lowermost chamber is provided with a siphon-like arrangement assisting the draining of the chamber, without the need for a pump. The invention simplifies the overall arrangement and its operation.