About Us
We produce 750,000 spring Chinook salmon annually, and we also serve as a Passage Facility for wild Spring Chinook, coho, and steelhead on their way further up river. All fish travel up our fish ladder; we then pass the wild fish through the facility to continue to upper reaches of the Warm Springs River.
What We Do
Warm Springs National Fish Hatchery's primary focus is carrying out Tribal trust responsibilities. We engage in Service initiatives such as Youth in Nature and climate change climate change
Climate change includes both global warming driven by human-induced emissions of greenhouse gases and the resulting large-scale shifts in weather patterns. Though there have been previous periods of climatic change, since the mid-20th century humans have had an unprecedented impact on Earth's climate system and caused change on a global scale.
Learn more about climate change assessment. We also maintain genetic integrity while enhancing Warm Springs River stocks by producing fish indistinguishable from native stocks.
We rear and release 750,000 spring Chinook salmon annually directly into the Warm Springs River.
Our Organization
Our Species
We raise spring Chinook salmon. The Chinook, or king, is the largest species of Pacific salmon, averaging 18 to 24 pounds with up to 120 pounds recorded. Chinook have small black spots on the back, dorsal fin, and tail fin. The gums at the base of the teeth are gray to black. Fall run Chinook are robust and deep-bodied, while spring Chinook are smaller, slimmer, and not as brightly colored when spawning.
Projects and Research
Warm Springs operations are considered pivotal for the enhancement of anadromous fish runs, as well as meeting the resident salmonid program needs for the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon. Enhancing anadromous fish runs in all reservation waters to meet the future needs of the resource as well as those of the Tribe is a high priority.
The hatchery also serves as a passage facility for wild Spring Chinook salmon, coho salmon, steelhead trout, and Pacific lamprey on their way further upriver. All fish travel up our fish ladder; we then pass the wild fish through the facility to continue to upper reaches of the Warm Springs River.
Visit Us
Where We're Located
Warm Springs National Fish Hatchery is located in central Oregon. We are operated by the Service on land leased from Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon. We are located on the Warm Springs River, home of the largest wild run of Mid-Columbia spring Chinook.
When To See The Fish
Adult spring Chinook salmon return in the spring of the year. Our fish ladder opens in early May. Juvenile spring Chinook salmon can be seen all year in our rearing ponds.
If you or your group would like a tour of the facility, please call ahead to schedule this so that we can adjust plans accordingly and make time in the daily project list to be able to show you around and answer questions in more depth. You can reach the hatchery at (541) 553-1692.
Latest News
Get Involved
Whether you want to further conservation, learn more about nature or share your love of the outdoors, you’ve come to the right place. National fish hatcheries provide many opportunities for you to help your community and fish and wildlife by doing what you love. National fish hatcheries partner with volunteers, youth groups, landowners, neighbors and residents of both urban and rural communities to make a lasting difference. There are opportunities for everyone to get involved!
We enjoy having volunteers at our hatchery! We offer both daily and long-term opportunities. The hatcheries provide local individuals the opportunity to volunteer by assisting hatchery staff with special events, fish production, and light maintenance activities. All volunteers compliment our hatchery programs and offer valuable support. To volunteer, contact cheri_anderson@fws.gov, or call Cheri at (509) 493-1730.