Experience the Excitement of an Alaskan Fish Hatchery

A lot of people unfamiliar with sport fishing may assume the fish in rivers and lakes spawn, create new fish, and that is how the waterways stay stocked. That is not the case at all. The Elmendor State Fish Hatchery plays a major role in the study of Alaskan fish, and they work to maintain a healthy fish population in the state's lakes, rivers, and streams. The hatchery is located in Anchorage at the intersection of Post Road and Reeve Boulevard. It is state owned and operated and produces Chinook, or King Salmon, and rainbow trout. The hatchery has been in operation since 1965 and features 21 ponds. The King Salmon that swim up from Ship Creek are captured by the hatchery and spawned every July. There are also eggs collected from other waterways including Deception Creek and the Ninilchik River. All of the eggs are incubated for four months and eventually released in May and June into the areas the hatchery stocks. The rainbow trout of the Swanson River are used to stock larger areas. The hatcheries salmon viewing area is open from May through September from 8 am until 10 pm. Visitors can see Chinook Salmon from May to July and then Coho Salmon from August through mid-September. To learn more about fishing in Alaska, visit the Elmendorf State Fish Hatchery.