Special fish migration channels should be set up to reduce the impact on fish eco-environment in engineering design and construction. The authors presented the development, baffle types and hydraulic characteristics of culvert fishway, and described the main points in designing a culvert fishway, including the collection of information, site selection, baffle types and hydraulic calculations, and also prospected the construction and development of fishway in China and abroad. The research methods and successful experiences in foreign countries could provide good reference for our country in the subsequent work.