Abstract: A diversion system for use in a watercourse for routing fish away from the intake, for example, of a hydroelectric plant. The system includes a plurality of upright screens arranged in zigzag fashion crosswise of the watercourse to provide a plurality of channels converging to outlets separate from the plant intake. The screens thus divert the fish and water-borne debris to the separate outlets while the main stream flows through the screens to the intake. Additionally, rotary sprayers are used to backwash the screens while in place from time to time to remove accumulated debris from the screens. The screens extend from the bottom of the watercourse to the water level while spanning the watercourse from one side wall to the other.