What We Do

The Carson National Fish Hatchery raises 1.17 million spring chinook salmon to mitigate for tribal, sport, and commercial fishery losses associated with operation of hydroelectric dams on the Columbia River.

Management and Conservation

The next time you go fishing, you might just catch a fish that was raised at Carson National Fish Hatchery. Since 1871, National Fish Hatcheries have been responding to conservation challenges affecting America’s fish and other aquatic species. Producing fish continues to be an irreplaceable tool in managing or restoring fisheries along with habitat conservation. In doing so, we help provide recreation opportunities to America’s 34 million anglers who spend $36 billion annually in pursuit of their favored pastime.

Our Projects and Research

Carson National Fish Hatchery transfers 250,000 spring Chinook fry to the Umatilla Indian Reservation for restoration into the Walla Walla River. The Walla Walla River has a brand new Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife hatchery, the Walla Walla River Hatchery. We provided 440,000 spring Chinook salmon eggs to assist with getting a salmon run established on the Walla Walla River.