Touring The Jackson National Fish Hatchery
- Date Visited: August 15, 2023
- Address: 1500 Fish Hatchery Rd, Jackson, WY 83001
- Phone: (307) 733-2510
- Website
- Hours: Daily 8am-4pm
- Price: Free
The Jackson National Fish Hatchery is a federal facility operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).
It is located near the town of Jackson, Wyoming, and serves as a key part of the USFWS’s efforts to conserve and restore fish populations in the region.
It was originally established in 1950 as part of the Palisades Dam Act to improve fish populations along the headwaters of the Snake River.
The original hatchery was completed in 1957 and in 1958 they were stocked with their first fish.
The primary mission of the hatchery is to raise and release fish species native to the region, particularly the Snake River cutthroat trout. They also provide recreational fish to the Wind River Reservation.
The hatchery produces nearly 40,000 native cutthroat trout each year for federal and Tribal waters in Wyoming and Idaho.
The hatchery is open daily and provides visitors with the opportunity of a close-up view of the fish production process. Indoor tanks contain babies while outdoor raceways are full of larger specimens of the Snake River cutthroat trout.
The Jackson National Fish Hatchery often provides educational programs and opportunities for visitors to learn about fish and wildlife conservation. During our short guided tour, we learned about the fish production process.
Exhibits in the building showcased their work and the importance of native fish species.
Behind the hatchery is Sleeping Indian Pond where visitors can fish if they bring their own equipment. You can also sit in the gazebo or at the picnic tables and enjoy some incredible views.
The Jackson National Fish Hatchery is an essential component of the USFWS’s efforts to protect and restore native fish species in the region. If you’re interested in fisheries and conservation it can be a fascinating place to visit and learn more about these topics.
We love visiting fish hatcheries and try to stop whenever we pass one.
The D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery in Spearfish, South Dakota is amazing if you’re ever in the area.
