Dworshak National Fish Hatchery

Dworshak National Fish Hatchery

Dworshak National Fish Hatchery was constructed by the Corps of Engineers in the 1960s.  The Dworshak Dam caused a loss of steelhead trout, so this hatchery was made to mitigate this loss.

The hatchery is managed in partnership with the Nez Perce Tribe of Idaho.  They maintain production goals for steelhead trout, Chinook salmon, and coho salmon.

What makes this place special is the fish themselves.  All species here are anadromous, meaning they make a 500 mile round trip journey from the hatchery to the sea and back again to spawn.

⭐ Federal Fish Hatchery
🐟 Steelhead Trout, Chinook Salmon & Coho Salmon Production

Address:
276 Dworshak Complex Drive, Orofino, ID 83544

Phone:
(208) 476-4591

🔗 Official Hatchery Website

Species Raised

🐟 Steelhead Trout (Clearwater “B” Strain)
🐟 Spring Chinook Salmon
🐟 Coho Salmon

Services & Features

✅ Self-guided and guided tours
✅ Indoor spawning deck viewing
✅ Lobby with dioramas and videos
✅ Adult holding pond viewing
✅ Fish ladder viewing
✅ Views of Dworshak Dam and Clearwater River
✅ Wheelchair accessible with ramps and elevator
✅ Youth summer camp programs
✅ Volunteer opportunities

Visitor Information

Visitors may self tour the hatchery from 7:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. daily.

Guided tours take approximately 45 minutes to an hour and take you inside and outside through the spawning deck, holding ponds, fish ladder, fry raceways, and scenic river views. Spawning almost always occurs on Tuesdays.

Call ahead for group tours.