75th Celebration: Hatchery to Hook

While casting a line at your favorite fishing hole, whether along the river, in an urban pond or high mountain lake, have you ever wondered how there are enough fish to go around? Where did the fish come from? How did they get there? While not all fish caught around the state are hatchery raised, Idaho hatcheries provide millions of fish for Idaho anglers each year. Idaho's state fish hatchery program is one of Idaho Fish and Game's oldest and continuous programs. In April of 1900, State Game Warden Charles Arbuckle recommended to the governor that Idaho was in need of a fish hatchery. State funding wasn't available so Arbuckle circulated a petition to Representatives of Congress, for the establishment of a federal hatchery in Idaho. While supported by most, a federal hatchery wouldn't be built and in production in Idaho until 1933. However, with revenue generated from license sales beginning in 1903, Idaho was able to construct its first state fish hatchery in 1907 at Hay Spur in Blaine County. In January 1908, the hatchery received eggs and began raising and distributing fish around the state. The Hay Spur Fish Hatchery is still in operation today. Two more hatcheries were built the following year, and by 1927 there were 10 hatcheries in operation. Through the years, 37 hatcheries and numerous remote-rearing ponds have come and gone with 20 hatcheries currently in operation. Of the first 10 hatcheries, four are still in operation today. So, when thinking about an upcoming trip to your favorite fishing spot, maybe take a day to visit an Idaho fish hatchery and see first-hand where and how so many of Idaho's fish get from hatchery to hook. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game welcomes you. For more information about Idaho's fish hatcheries, visit http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/fish/?getPage=84 and for other 75th Celebration stories, visit the Fish and Game website at www.fishandgame.idaho.gov.