Features
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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!
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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
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Coronavirus (COVID-19) Notice
During the current public health emergency, the hatchery grounds are open to the public; however the Visitor Center remains closed. Please call 509-538-2755 for information. More information: FWS Coronavirus Response page.
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Coronavirus (COVID-19) Notice
During the current public health emergency, the hatchery is open, however, the Visitor Center remains closed. Call 509-538-2755 for further information. More information is available on the FWS Coronavirus Response page.
what's happening at the hatchery
What's Hatchin'?
Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the hatchery is open for fish viewing along the river and at our viewing platforms; however, the Visitor Center 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. Call the hatchery at 509-538-2755.
We are currently welcoming Upriver Bright Fall Chinook salmon to the hatchery, and they are coming in at a rapid rate! We have over 6,500 adults in our adult holding ponds. Unfortunately, these are not open for public viewing at this time, but you can see adults in the river. We begin spawning next week and will continue through the early part of November. Again, this process will be closed to the public for the heatlh and safety of our workers. Stay safe, and Recreate Responsibly.
Recent Little White Salmon Fish Returns
As of October 13, 2020, approximately 6,500 adult Upriver Bright Fall Chinook have returned to Little White Salmon Fish Ladder.
Ten-Year Return/Release Information
Fisheries In the news
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August 20, 2020 - (Peninsula Daily News) Hatchery coho offering options in Quilcene
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
Fishing/Hunting 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.
