ODFW Hatcheries

ODFW’s fish hatchery rearing programs are guided by the Native Fish Conservation Policy, the Fish Hatchery Management Policy and the Fish Health Management Policy. Fish management goals and hatchery program planning respond to the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds and local watershed interests; other federal, tribal, and state co-managers interests; federal and state Endangered Species Act ( ESA) guidelines; and all other applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.

For more information and directions to each hatchery see the ODFW Visitor's Guide.

ODFW operated 33 hatcheries, 4 rearing ponds at locations separate from hatcheries, 8 acclimation facilities, and 9 adult trapping facilities in 2003. Many of these hatcheries have been in continuous operation from the early 1900’s and have been upgraded to varying degrees as funding permits, while others began operation within the last 20 years. These facilities range in production levels from large facilities like Cole M. Rivers, which produced 576,875 pounds of fish, to small facilities like Trask, which reared 27,246 pounds.

Funding for the operation of these facilities comes from a variety of sources: 12 are federally funded, 9 are state funded, and 12 are funded by a combination of State and Federal funds. Annual operating costs for these facilities amounted to approximately $22.9 million in 2003, of which $16.2 million was provided by Federal agencies, $3.1 million came from State general funds, and $3.6 million came from other sources, including license fees, power produces and water users such as the City of Portland and Portland General Electric.

Fish Hatchery Management Policy

Policy Purpose

1. The purpose of the Hatchery Management Policy is to describe the hatchery tool and its range of applications. The Hatchery Management Policy also provides general fish culture and facility guidelines and measures to maintain genetic resources of native fish populations spawned or reared in captivity. This policy applies to all Department hatchery operations and programs including Salmon and Trout Enhancement Program (STEP) fish propagation projects (OAR 635-009-0090 through 635-009-0240) and Cooperative Salmon Hatchery Programs (OAR 635-009-0400 through 635-009-0455).
   
   
2. This policy describes best management practices that are intended to help ensure the conservation of both naturally produced native fish and hatchery produced fish in Oregon through the responsible use of hatcheries. The conservation of hatchery produced fish is important to maintain opportunities for fisheries and aid conservation of naturally produced native fish.
   
   
3. The Hatchery Management Policy complements and supports the Native Fish Conservation Policy OAR 635-007-0502 through 635-007-0506 and will be implemented through conservation plans developed for individual species management units, hatchery program management plans, or other formal agreements with management partners. The Hatchery Management Policy provides a foundation for the management and reform of hatcheries in Oregon, whereas the Native Fish Conservation Policy establishes the process for defining the specific use of the hatchery tool in specific watersheds.

Policy Goals

1. Foster and sustain opportunities for sport, commercial and tribal fishers consistent with the conservation of naturally produced native fish.
   
   
2. Contribute toward the sustainability of naturally produced native fish populations through the responsible use of hatcheries and hatchery-produced fish.
   
   
3. Maintain genetic resources of native fish populations spawned or reared in captivity.
   
   
4. Minimize adverse ecological impacts to watersheds caused by hatchery facilities and operations.
   

Fish Hatchery Management Policy (pdf)

Hatchery and Genetic Management Plans (HGMPs)

The ODFW is developing HGMPs for all fish propagation programs of the State of Oregon . These HGMPs may serve as interim Hatchery Program Management Plans (HPMPs) as outlined in the ODFW's Hatchery Management Policy. Also, HGMPs shall serve as the foundation of hatchery management and hatchery reform of Oregon , to help conserve and restore native fish in their natural habitats and to minimize adverse genetic and ecological impacts to ESA -listed fish. The department has developed most of the required HGMPs and submitted to NOAA Fisheries.

Hatchery and Genetic Management Plans by Watershed Area/District

Fish Health Management Policy

The purpose of the Fish Health Management Policy (pdf) is to describe measures that minimize the impact of fish diseases on the state’s fish resources. This policy applies to all Department hatchery operations and programs, including Salmon and Trout Enhancement Program (STEP), fish propagation projects, Cooperative Salmon Hatchery Programs, and to all other persons importing, transporting, releasing, or rearing non-aquaria species in this state, including, but not limited to persons operating private fish rearing facilities and research facilities.