About Us
Since 1871 the National Fish Hatchery system has been at work improving recreational fishing and restoring aquatic species that are in decline, at risk, and are important to the health of our aquatic systems. Across the country the network of National Fish Hatcheries work with states and tribes to conserve, restore and enhance the fish and aquatic resources of America for future generations.
Alchesay National Fish Hatchery was authorized in 1959 with a Memorandum of Understanding between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The hatchery was designed to fulfill a federal responsibility for stocking waters on Tribal lands throughout eastern Arizona and western New Mexico. Alchesay National Fish Hatchery serves as a “grow-out rearing unit” for brown trout and rainbow trout fingerlings transferred from Williams Creek National Fish Hatchery. The annual breeding and raising of these trout species represents the largest Indian Trust, inland recreational fishing program in the National Fish Hatchery System.
Our Mission
Since 1871, National Fish Hatcheries have been applying science-based approaches to conservation challenges. We work with our partners and engage the public to conserve, restore, and enhance fish and other aquatic resources for the continuing benefit of the American people. Conservation is at the heart of what we do, and we recognize that we do this work for the American people–both the present generation who benefit today and future generations who will inherit our legacy of conserving America’s aquatic resources.
Alchesay National Fish Hatchery was designed to fulfill a federal responsibility for stocking waters on Tribal lands throughout eastern Arizona and western New Mexico. The annual production of these trout species represents the largest Indian Trust, inland recreational fishing program in the National Fish Hatchery System.
Our History
Alchesay National Fish Hatchery is located in the picturesque canyon of the North Fork of the White River on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation. Alchesay National Fish Hatchery was authorized in 1959 with a Memorandum of Understanding between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The hatchery is named after the famous Apache chief, Alchesay. Initial production of brook, brown, and rainbow trout at this facility began in 1963. In 1972, operations at Williams Creek and Alchesay National Fish Hatcheries were combined to form the current two-unit complex. Alchesay National Fish Hatchery stocks out over 600,000 6-10 inch rainbow, brown and Apache trout annually.
Other Facilities in this Complex
Alchesay National Fish Hatchery is one of two hatcheries within the complex. The second hatchery is Williams Creek National Fish Hatchery.
