Satsop Springs Hatchery
Each year from mid-March through mid-June, Satsop Springs outplants rainbow trout that we have raised, to sites around Grays Harbor. The facility raises about 7,000 trophy-sized trout each year and plant to ponds in Lost Lake, Lake Nahwatzel, Lake Sylvia, Lake Aberdeen, Failor Lake, Vance Creek (#1 and #2), and Duck Lake in Ocean Shores. Aside from Lake Nahwatzel, each of the other lakes hold derbies from the rainbow trout that we plant. Organizations such as the Elma Game Club, G. H. Poggie Club, Montesano Moose, and City of Ocean Shores hold annual youth fishing derbie to catch one of these prized rainbow trout.
Volunteers are extremely valuable assets to our organization! There are many ways to volunteer with the Chehalis Basin Fisheries Task Force. We have a wide range of opportunities for individual volunteers and community groups. Persons who are interested in becoming involved with CBFTF efforts are encouraged to apply.
Broodstocking at Satsop Springs Hatchery is the foundation of sustainable salmon production in the Chehalis Basin. Each year, carefully selected adult salmon are collected from regional rivers and hatchery returns to serve as broodstock—providing high-quality genetic material for the next generation of fish.
These brood fish are handled with precision and care, ensuring both animal welfare and the preservation of local genetic diversity. The resulting eggs and fry are reared at Satsop Springs, where they receive optimal conditions to grow strong before being released into the watershed.
By investing in thoughtful broodstock management, the hatchery plays a critical role in supporting healthy fish populations, enhancing recreational and tribal fisheries, and contributing to long-term recovery goals for salmon in Washington State.
Nutrient Enhancement at Satsop Springs Hatchery plays a vital role in strengthening the health of the Chehalis Basin watershed. By returning hatchery-origin salmon carcasses to local streams, the hatchery helps replenish essential marine-derived nutrients that support the entire aquatic food web—from microbes to macroinvertebrates to the fish themselves.
This natural recycling process boosts productivity in nutrient-starved waterways, enhancing conditions for juvenile salmon growth and improving the overall resilience of stream ecosystems. At Satsop Springs, nutrient enhancement is more than just a hatchery practice—it’s a commitment to restoring balance, sustaining biodiversity, and honoring the life cycle of salmon in our region.
At Satsop Springs Hatchery, we open our gates to schools for unforgettable field trip experiences that bring science and conservation to life. Students of all ages are invited to explore the salmon life cycle, stream ecology, and hatchery operations through engaging, hands-on activities led by passionate staff.
From observing fish up close to discovering how restoration efforts support wild salmon populations, these field trips spark curiosity and deepen students’ understanding of the Chehalis Basin ecosystem. It's more than a visit—it's an opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-world environmental stewardship.
Teachers and educators: come see how a trip to Satsop Springs can inspire the next generation of conservation leaders.
Support Salmon. Support the Future.
At Satsop Springs Hatchery, every contribution—whether your time, skills, or donations—makes a real difference in preserving the health and heritage of the Chehalis Basin.
Volunteer Your Time
Help with field trips, assist in hatchery operations, or support restoration events—your hands-on involvement brings our mission to life. No experience necessary, just a passion for salmon and community.
Donate Financially
Your gifts fund salmon restoration, educational programming, and crucial hatchery upgrades. Every dollar helps sustain wild fish populations and deepen our impact.
In-Kind Giving
From construction materials to educational supplies, in-kind donations keep our programs innovative and accessible. Have something to contribute? We’d love to hear from you.
Whether you're rolling up your sleeves or making a tax-deductible gift, your support helps ensure thriving streams and inspired students for generations to come.