Fish Hatcheries
Since 1881, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) fish hatcheries have been dedicated to improving Colorado’s fish populations. Currently, CPW operates 19 fish hatcheries, where over 90 million fish per year are bred, hatched, reared and stocked. This includes over 30 different species of fish as well as the boreal toad.
Some hatchery fish enhance angling opportunities, which is an important part of the state’s economy, contributing $1.9 billion per year. Others are critical to native species recovery efforts. Hatcheries that hold and spawn domesticated fish are called ”brood units.” The hatcheries that hatch eggs and raise fish that come from other units are called “rearing units.”
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Colorado's Ultimate Road Trip
Colorado Hatchery Passport
Visit a state park or hatchery and ask for your free passport. Ask any state park or hatchery staff to stamp your passport. Collect all 57 (42 parks, 15 hatcheries) stamps and receive a completion prize.