Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery

07/09/2026

WDFW opened Summer Chinook fishing on the Entiat river, near our sister hatchery, today, July 9th! Find all the details here:

Action: Opens salmon fishing.Effective dates: July 9, 2026, until further notice.Species affected: Chinook salmon.Location: Entiat River (Chelan

07/04/2026

Happy Independence Day!

Today we celebrate the freedom that defines us—and few symbols capture that spirit better than the ability to move freely across the landscape. Salmon undertake an incredible journey, traveling hundreds of miles from their home streams to the Pacific Ocean and back again.

Their epic migration depends on healthy rivers, thriving habitats, and strong conservation partnerships. Protecting these waterways isn’t just environmental stewardship—it’s the embodiment of the American spirit: resilience, perseverance, and a commitment to safeguarding the natural heritage that sustains us all.
As we honor our nation’s independence, we also honor the work that keeps our rivers connected and our salmon returning home.

Conservation is patriotism in action.



USFWS Photos

06/17/2026

Happy Lamprey Week!

You might be surprised to learn that lampreys live right here in our local rivers — and you may never see them! This video shows a lamprey ammocoete, the larval stage of a Pacific lamprey, burrowing into the sand in the Wenatchee River. They spend years (sometimes 13+!) buried in the sand and mud, quietly filtering the water and aerating river sediment much like earthworms do in soil.
These hidden neighbors play an important role in keeping our rivers healthy — even when we don’t see them.

USFWS Video: A black net lets out two small worm-like fish, then focuses on one of them burrowing into the sand head-first.

06/10/2026

Not all conservation heroes carry binoculars. Some carry tackle boxes. 🎣

As we celebrate National Fishing and Boating Week, it's worth recognizing the anglers and boaters who have helped fund conservation for generations.

Since 1950, the Sport Fish Restoration Program has generated more than $12 billion for fish conservation, habitat restoration, boating access, and aquatic education across the country. Supported by purchases made by anglers and boaters, these investments help conserve America's fisheries while connecting more people to the outdoors.

Thanks to the support of anglers and boaters, conservation projects across the country are helping ensure healthy fisheries and better access to America's waters.

Photo in Grand Teton National Park by Peter Mangolds

06/08/2026

It's World Oceans Day!

And while Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery is nestled in the mountains, far from the coast, the ocean plays an essential role in the lives of the salmon we raise.

After leaving our hatchery as young smolts, they undertake an epic journey—traveling more than 500 miles to reach the Pacific Ocean, where they spend years feeding and growing before returning as adults. The ocean provides salmon with abundant food and the space they need to mature. In turn, salmon help connect ecosystems: carrying marine nutrients back to inland forests, feeding wildlife, and sustaining communities across the Northwest.

Healthy oceans mean healthy salmon—and healthy salmon mean healthy watersheds.

Photo 1 Pacific Northwest National Laboratory: Adult chinook salmon that have safely returned to hatchery
Photo 2 USFWS: Salmon jumping in Cold Bay, AK

06/05/2026

June 5th Update:
Yesterday in-water electric pumps were placed to provide water to adult ponds. There are now 1250 adults in our ponds.

USFWS Photo