Volunteers Raising Salmon
Indian Creek Hatchery
“We Hatch ‘Em, You Catch ‘Em”
Hatchery Storm Damage
*
Hatchery Storm Damage *
In its 40-year history, this marks the first time Indian Creek Hatchery has had to transfer fish to another facility. The March 16 storm caused unprecedented damage, but thanks to dedicated volunteers, this year’s fish are safe, and we can now focus on recovery efforts.
On March 16, a severe rainstorm caused extensive damage to Indian Creek Hatchery. The storm destroyed the spring line supplying water to the hatchery, a 50-foot access bridge to the water intake, and the road leading to the intake. Additionally, we lost the backup pump water supply. The displaced bridge formed a dam near the hatchery, filling the ladder and brood tank with four feet of silt.
Fortunately, no fish were lost, as they had been ponded in raceways the previous week. The primary 12-inch water supply remained intact, and volunteers maintained flow by operating around the clock to flush valves. However, on March 24, the 12-inch pipe failed when a stream crossing collapsed, likely due to debris impact.
With no backup water source, we relocated the fish to Elk River Fish Hatchery. Volunteers played a critical role in maintaining water flow with gas pumps and safely transferring the fish.
NewsWatch 12 at kdrv.com reporting on hatchery efforts:
Indian Creek Hatchery working on post-storm recovery
Restoration Priorities
Stabilize and repair erosion on the access road.
Reconstruct pipe crossings to restore water intake.
Remove accumulated sediment from the facility.
Replace the bridge access to the hatchery’s two water supplies
Rerouting of the spring line for fish incubation
JOIN our storm damage restoration efforts by volunteering or donating to Curry Anadromous Fishermen. Thank you!
The Indian Creek Hatchery is a cooperative venture with Curry Anadromous Fishermen (CAF), Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Salmon Trout Enhancement Program (STEP), people of Central Curry County, and the Knox Family to increase the number of Fall Chinook Salmon in area streams.
In addition to cultivating and releasing 80,000 to 100,000 juvenile salmon into the Rogue River annually, we educate the residents and visitors of Curry County about our processes and the individuals involved in this effort.
Our Collective Goals
Provide fish for commercial (ocean) and sport fishing harvest while minimizing any potential adverse impacts on native populations.
Support economic and cultural values associated with historic salmon fisheries while reducing social pressures to increase fisheries directed at listed or candidate species.
Educate students and increase public awareness of salmon biology, critical life stages, and special habitat requirements.
Indian Creek Hatchery Program Summary
10-year data for Chinook Salmon Smolts released into the Rogue River
730,379
2024 Returning Salmon
99
Indian Creek Hatchery
The major goal of the Indian Creek Hatchery is to supplement the natural production of lower Rogue River Fall Chinook salmon. The lower Rogue stock was dangerously low during the 1980's but has shown dramatic improvement over the past several years. It is believed that habitat improvement and hatchery supplementation can help maintain a healthy stock especially in years of drought or poor ocean conditions. The Indian Creek Hatchery is operated by Curry Anadromous Fishermen.
Curry Andromous Fishermen
Curry Anadromous Fishermen (CAF) is a nonprofit service organization dedicated to preserving Fall Chinook salmon while supporting future salmon populations for commercial and recreational fishing. Through its operation of Indian Creek Hatchery, CAF partners with ODFW’s Salmon Trout Enhancement Program (STEP) to rear fish, collect broodstock, and educate the community about fisheries conservation. Volunteers play a vital role in hatchery operations, habitat restoration, and outreach efforts, ensuring the long-term health of local salmon and trout populations.
ODFW STEP Program
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (ODFW) Salmon Trout Enhancement Program (STEP) empowers volunteer organizations like Curry Anadromous Fishermen (CAF) to make a significant impact on local fisheries. Through its operation of Indian Creek Hatchery, CAF works alongside ODFW to rear Fall Chinook salmon, collect broodstock, and educate the community on fish conservation. Though small and volunteer-run, CAF plays a crucial role in sustaining salmon and trout populations, demonstrating how dedicated local efforts can contribute to the long-term health of Oregon’s fisheries and watersheds.
CAF Senior Scholarship Opportunity
As the end of the school year is fast approaching, many of you are planning for your future educational endeavors. Curry Anadromous Fishermen (CAF) are currently accepting applications for (3) $1,500 scholarships to be awarded to students that qualify.
Our Valued Sponsors
