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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Your Fishin' is our Mission!
Fish Hatchery Tours
The State of Colorado has multiple hatcheries, most of which welcome visitors. Some hatcheries offer self-guided tours, while others may have tour guides available during certain times of the year. Call ahead to find out what is offered at the hatchery you will be visiting. To enhance your experience, educational materials are available at all hatcheries.
Plan Your Visit
Self-Guided and Guided Tours
Some hatcheries offer self-guided tours, while others may have tour guides available during certain times of the year. Use the Fish Hatchery Finder tool (scroll up and click on tab to the left) to locate a hatchery you plan to visit, learn what they offer and call ahead for more information or to book a tour. Educational materials are available at all hatcheries to help you get more out of your visit.
School and Group Tours
Because hatcheries are busy, working environments, tours for groups and schools need to be arranged as far in advance as possible. This helps ensure that there are plenty of educational materials on hand and that your group has the best possible experience.
When Viewing at a Hatchery
Hatcheries are busy working environments. To make your visit as enjoyable and rewarding as possible, please observe these guidelines:
- Don't place your hands in the water or try to catch fish with your hands. Doing so can contaminate raceways, and make the fish sick. Some hatcheries have nearby fishing; call ahead to find out what opportunities there are.
- Don't move fish to another raceway. Fish are separated by raceways for good reasons. Moving them can result in their injury or death.
- Don't wade or play in the hatchery's water source. This can cause contamination of the water or foul it with the additional silt and debris that might be kicked up.
- Do not feed fish anything other than approved feed available from dispensers at the hatcheries. "Human" food can foul the water or sicken fish (with sicknesses that could be passed to other fish).
- Talk to your children about why these guidelines are important.
Enjoy your hatchery tour!
Colorado's Ultimate Road Trip
Colorado Parks and Wildlife Passport
Colorado has some amazing places to visit. Now, you can add visiting all state parks and 15 fish hatcheries to your personal bucket list using the CPW Passport.
