Although most refuge and hatchery lands and outdoor spaces have remained open for the public to enjoy, we ask that you recreate responsibly.

• Check the refuge or hatchery website and call ahead for current information. Operations vary based on local public health conditions.
• The CDC recommends all individuals wear a mask indoors in public in areas of substantial or high transmission. Recognizing that most of the United States is currently in substantial or high transmission categories and to best protect visitors and our staff, we’ve implemented a nationwide mask requirement. Masks are now required inside all U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service buildings, regardless of vaccination status or location. All people, regardless of vaccination status, are required to wear a mask on all forms of public transportation and in healthcare settings on DOI lands.
• Most importantly, stay home if you feel sick and continue to watch for symptoms of COVID-19 and follow CDC guidance on how to protect yourself and others.

The Nashua National Fish Hatchery, located in Nashua, New Hampshire, was established in 1898. It is a working part of the Eastern New England Fisheries Resource Complex and is one of 11 national fish hatcheries in the Northeast Region and one of 70 in the National Fish Hatchery System (NFHS). The NFHS works to conserve rare imperiled species, as well as common game fish to strengthen ecosystems and economies.

Work at the hatchery supports Atlantic salmon, American shad and other aquatic species restoration efforts in the Merrimack and other New England rivers. The station provides Atlantic salmon eggs for fry release programs and retired broodstock for Atlantic salmon recreational fisheries.

American shad eggs are obtained from adult shad returning to the Merrimack River. The eggs are incubated at the hatchery, and once they hatch, the juveniles are released into sections of the Merrimack River and other New England rivers.

The Nashua National Fish Hatchery also hosts school students, scouting troops and other civic organizations for educational tours and programs at the station.