About Us
The Williams Creek hatchery was created in 1934 with a Memorandum of Understanding between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). The hatchery was built in 1939 with the BIA furnishing all necessary funds for labor, material and construction, while the USFWS provided planning, design, and technical supervision during construction. Williams Creek is located in the beautiful White Mountains on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation. The primary mission of the Williams Creek facility is the rearing of the threatened Apache trout (Oncorhynchus apache). Williams Creek also receives brook, brown and rainbow trout eggs from broodstock broodstock
The reproductively mature adults in a population that breed (or spawn) and produce more individuals (offspring or progeny).
Learn more about broodstock hatcheries around the country.
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.
Williams Creek National Fish Hatchery is dedicated to the restoration and recovery of the threatened Apache trout. In addition to the recovery of Apache trout, the hatchery produces brook, brown and rainbow trout, which provide trout for economically important recreational fishing programs for 17 tribes within Arizona and 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
Williams Creek National Fish Hatchery is a multi-species trout rearing facility located on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation near McNary, Arizona. Williams Creek National Fish Hatchery was authorized in 1934 with an agreement between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). The hatchery was built in 1939 with the BIA furnishing all necessary funds for labor, material and construction, while the USFWS provided planning, design, and technical supervision of construction. In 1941, the hatchery began operation with 100,000 eyed rainbow trout eggs received from northern NM and 250,000 “blackspotted” trout eggs from Yellowstone Park, WY. Rearing of Apache trout was unsuccessfully attempted during the first year of operation. In 1967, Apache trout were restricted to approximately 30 miles of stream habitat. Williams Creek National Fish Hatchery now plays a key role in the recovery of Apache trout by providing anglers opportunity to fish for Apache trout in over 18 lakes and 10 streams in the White Mountains of Arizona.
Other Facilities in this Complex
Williams Creek National Fish Hatchery is one of two hatcheries within the complex. Alchesay National Fish Hatchery is the second hatchery.
