Everything You Need to Know About the Sawtooth Fish Hatchery

There are so many things to make up the core of Central Idaho. From the looming Sawtooth Mountains to the towering pine trees, everything about the landscapes here is stunning. Of course, there are plenty of smaller pieces that make up the complex puzzle that is the Sawtooth Wilderness. The Salmon River weaves its way through the heart of the mountains and serves as an important center of both the habitat and local tourism. You can learn more about the creatures that make up this ecosystem at the Sawtooth Fish Hatchery near Stanley. This facility serves as a focal point of breeding and reintroducing salmon back into the Idaho river system, in addition to an education center where fishing enthusiasts and visitors to the area can learn more about the vibrant river habitat. If you want to explore more adventures and ways to experience the wild and wonderful outdoors of Central Idaho, request our free Vacation Guide!

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Your Complete Guide to the Sawtooth Fish Hatchery

What is the Sawtooth Fish Hatchery?

The Sawtooth Fish Hatchery is an integral part of the Lower Snake River Compensation Program, which is a federal program with the primary purpose of compensating fish loss caused by the Lower Snake River dams. The hatchery holds incubation and early rearing rooms and adult spawning facilities where Chinook, Rainbow, and Sockeye salmon reproduce from early spring through mid-September. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Lower Snake River Compensation Program provides funding to the facility with the goal of replenishing the once-booming salmon population in the river aptly named after its primary inhabitant.

What Can I Do There?

The Sawtooth Fish Hatchery may not sound very exciting, but it’s actually a fantastic place to learn more about the Salmon River ecosystem and the fish that call it’s waters home. The visitor center is open year-round from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but they also offer guided tours at 1:30 p.m. from Memorial Day through Labor Day. During a visit, guests can see the spawning pools, the raceways used to create channels of aquaculture systems, and the egg incubation center. The best time to explore the Sawtooth Fish Hatchery is during late July and August when adult Chinook salmon are visible in the facility. Kids will love casting a line into the fully stocked fishing pond during the summer! Whether you’re a fishing enthusiast or just wanting to learn a little bit about Central Idaho, this is an enthralling exhibition for all ages.

For information regarding fishing seasons and rules in the area, check the Idaho Department of Fishing and Game’s website.

How Do I Get There?

Guests staying at the Redfish Lake Lodge head to Highway 75 where you will travel south for less than five minutes before arriving at the Sawtooth Fish Hatchery. If you’re staying at one of our sister properties in Stanley, the drive is only a few minutes longer down 75. Either way, you are right around the corner from this educational center, which is a great place to stop by if you want to take a break in the middle of the day.

Stay at Redfish Lake Lodge

Redfish Lake Lodge provides you with a unique stay in one of the most breathtakingly beautiful parts of the country. Each of our accommodations offers a different experience. Are you planning on bringing the whole family to the mountains? We have a variety of cabins for you. Or maybe you and your special someone want to escape to one of our suites or lodge rooms for a getaway filled with romance and adventure. You can enhance your stay with one of our specials like a relaxing massage service at Redfish Riverside Inn, a sunset appetizer cruise on Redfish Lake, or a horseback ride through the mountains.

Ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime? Book your stay with us today or check out one of our sister properties! We look forward to welcoming you to the Redfish family!

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Everything You Need to Know About Salmon River in Idaho Fishing The Best Time to Go Steelhead Fishing on the Salmon River in Idaho What is the Sawtooth Salmon Festival and Why Should You Check It Out? WHAT IS THE SAWTOOTH RELAY ALL ABOUT?!