Features
-
Giving a Helping Hand to Pollinators
Pollinator sightings have increased since we planted native flowering plants and created homes for Mason bees. Butterflies, bees and flies abound!
-
Fishing Drano Lake
Drano Lake is very popular with anglers. Check fishing regulations on the WA Department of Fish and Wildlife's website or pamphlet.
https://wdfw.wa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/01998/wdfw01998.pdf
-
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Notice
During the current public health emergency, when possible, national fish hatcheries will remain open to the public. However facility resources and events may be limited. Check FWS Coronavirus Response page and call for local conditions.
what's happening at the hatchery
What's Hatchin'?
Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the hatchery and restrooms are closed to the public. We have two Pit Toilets available for use along our entrance road. Please practice social distancing and respect others.
Essential workers released our 1,089,520 spring Chinook salmon into the Little White Salmon River on April 13, 2020.
They are now busy power washing and disinfecting the raceways in preparation of moving fish around the facility.
Marking the Broodyear '19 spring Chinook salmon begins on May 7 and will continue for about three weeks. They will start marking the Broodyear '19 upriver bright fall Chinook salmon in early June. These fall Chinook will be released in early July 2020.
The fish ladder has opened for the season, welcoming this years spring Chinook salmon.
Recent Little White Salmon Fish Returns
As of June 29, 2020, approximately 2,475 adult Spring Chinook have returned to Little White Salmon Fish Ladder.
Ten-Year Return/Release Information
Fisheries In the news
-
July 3, 2019 - (Daily Record) Fish biologists ask recreators not to build rock dams in local rivers
July 31, 2018 - Fall salmon seasons kick off Aug. 1 with mixed forecasts (Oregon DFW)
July 6, 2018 - (Tribal Tribune) CTFW utilize beavers in Methow salmon recovery work
March 30, 2018 - Idaho summer chinook fishing may heat up
March 28, 2018 - Idaho spring Chinook fishing set to open April 28
Fishing on or near the hatchery
Did You Know? Lewis and Clark
Lewis and Clark’s Corps of Discovery made camp on Drano Lake on October 29, 1805. Clark wrote that Drano Lake was filled with a “great number” of tundra swans. The swans were likely feeding on Wapato, a plant that grows in the water. Wapato tubers were a valuable food for the Chinook people as well.
