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 subsistence fisheries.

What We Do

Our Projects and Initiatives

A small tan fish with a pink stripe and dark speckles. The fish floats in front of a black background.
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National fish hatcheries use aquaculture to raise threatened, endangered, or at-risk species in a safe captive environment for eventual release into a natural setting. This work, along with habitat restoration, and other federal protections, can help boost and support wild populations of fish and aquatic wildlife.  

National Fish Hatcheries: 

  • Improve recreational fishing and public use of aquatic resources.
  • Recover federally listed threatened or endangered species.
  • Restore imperiled species that are not yet listed as endangered.
  • Fulfill tribal partnerships and trust responsibilities.

National Fish Hatchery System Celebrates 150 Years of Conservation! 

150 Years. National Fish Hatchery System.” in front of glossy orange eggs against a white background.
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June 10th, 2022, marks the 150th anniversary of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Fish Hatchery System! The National Fish Hatchery System was created by Congress to help address collapsing fisheries and boost production of food fish to feed families. Over the years, the system has evolved to meet the changing needs of conservation. Today the National Fish Hatchery System is the only national aquaculture program in existence dedicated entirely to the conservation of aquatic species.  

Latest Stories and Topics

Stories
a group of students crowd a table with white tubs full of macroinvertebrates and detritus/decaying leaves
For Parents and Educators
Kids in the Creek: Fostering the Next Generation of Natural Resources Stewards
During an early fall week at Entiat National Fish Hatchery, more than 200 high school students swapped their laptops and school attire for data sheets and waders, ready to immerse themselves in the dynamic Entiat River.
3 small mussels
Our Partners
Iron Workers Restore Bridge Access at Harrison Lake National Fish Hatchery
The beloved pedestrian bridge connecting visitors to fishing spots at Harrison Lake National Fish Hatchery was forced to close for several months due to the condition of the welds supporting the bridge decking. Thanks to the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA) and the volunteers from Iron Workers...
Children fishing at a reservoir on a summer day
Recreation
Fun in the Sun: Dworshak Explorers Summer Camp
A first of it's kind youth summer camp builds partnerships through the love of science and the outdoors in Orofino, ID.
Wildlife Conservation
Learn how the North American Model of Conservation guides hunting in the United States.
Purchase a Hunting License
In most cases, to hunt legally in the United States, you must have a hunting license from the state where the hunt occurs. Get your state and species specific hunting license today at your local sporting goods store or online.
Desert Tortoise walking in the desert
Endangered Species Act
Endangered Species Athletics 2024 Track
We know “fast” can be achieved on land, in water and by air, so the Endangered Species Athletics Track event accommodates species with feathers, fins, hooves, paws and toes. These athletes have learned to maintain a steady speed while avoiding obstacles, persisting through challenging conditions...
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Our Services

Fish Distribution and Stocking

A slender fish against a white background with black and yellowish mottled pattern on its body
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Our work to raise and conserve fish and their habitats enhances the enjoyment of over 55 million recreational anglers every year.  Many states rely on aquaculture to stock lakes and rivers with fish populations for sustainable recreational fisheries that generate million in local revenue.

Small orange fish eggs on a white background.
National Broodstock Program’s Egg Distribution Service

The National Broodstock Program was established in 1970 to support healthy sustainable fisheries in waterways across the country. Every year the National Broodstock Program provides about 60 million fish eggs that are hatched and raised by our partners to meet their conservation and management...

Trout stocking in tailwater
Fish Stocking

The next time you go fishing, you might just catch a fish that was raised at a national fish hatchery. Since 1872 we have been working to improving recreational fishing and restoring aquatic species that are in decline, at risk, and are important to the health of our aquatic systems. Across...

Coho and sockeye salmon swimming
Steps for Importing Salmonids into the United States of America

To protect U.S. citizens, and our nation’s natural resources, it is important to allow only healthy fish, wildlife, and plants be imported into the United States.

The Lacey Act of 1900 is the United Sates law that regulates the trafficking in illegal wildlife. One part of the law...

Our Library

A boy holds a fish in his hands and smiles at the camera. A person next to him holds a fishing rod an bobber.
Recreational Fishing
Did you know that you can be a super-star conservationist just by going fishing? Whether you prefer fly-fishing on a wild and scenic river, noodling for catfish, or dropping a line in an urban waterway, here are some basics to get you started fishing responsibly!
Library Collection
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