A uniformed hatchery worker with a mask holds up a large male coho salmon, its sides flushed with red to indicate its readiness for spawning.
Image Details

We support the Yakama Nation in rebuilding populations of coho salmon. Their vision is "to re-establish naturally spawning coho populations in mid-Columbia tributaries to biologically sustainable levels which provide significant harvest in most years."

Coho salmon are native to the Columbia River and were once found through the river system. But populations were decimated in the early 1900s. By the end of the 20th century, their range was restricted to the lower Columbia.

A range of factors worked against coho, from major hydropower projects to habitat degradation. While many challenges still exist, some conditions and practices have changed, opening potential for bringing coho back to the mid- and upper-Columbia River.

The Yakama Nation manages the coho restoration plan. We assist by raising their salmon at our facility, providing daily care until release.

Contact Information

A man in rainjacket and ballcap stands in a concrete tank, holding up in both hands a gorgeous steelhead in bright spawning colors.
Hatchery Manager (Retired)
National Fish Hatchery System,
Fish and Aquatic Conservation
Winthrop,WA

Species

A huge school of silver fishes swimming in a stream

ESA (NMFS) status: threatened (June 1997 - southern OR/northern CA population)

Coho salmon are a species of Pacific salmon which inhabit the Pacific coast in California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, and Alaska.  These fish are also known as silver salmon...

FWS Focus
Species
Kingdom
Animalia
Taxonomic Rank
Species

Programs

Juvenile Northern Pike in aquarium at Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery, South Dakota
The Fish and Aquatic Conservation program leads aquatic conservation efforts for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. We are committed to tackling the nation’s highest priority aquatic conservation and recreational challenges to conserve, restore, and enhance fisheries for future generations.
Program
Falls Church,VA
150 Years. National Fish Hatchery System.” in front of glossy orange eggs against a white background.
The National Fish Hatchery System works to support healthy, self-sustaining populations of fish and other aquatic species across the country. Every year we raise and stock over 100 million fish to support the recovery and restoration of imperiled species, recreational fishing, and Tribal...
Program

Facilities

Person in a blue inflatable kayak on a calm river
Mid-Columbia Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office
The Mid-Columbia Fish & Wildlife Conservation Office provides technical fisheries assistance and cooperates with Service programs; other federal, state, and local agencies; tribes, and various entities to conserve aquatic species and their habitats in the mid- and upper-Columbia River Basin.
Conservation Office
Leavenworth,WA

Partners