Volunteers Raising Salmon
Indian Creek Hatchery
“We Hatch ‘Em, You Catch ‘Em”
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.
In the Field: Hatchery Broodstock Collection
Curry Anadromous Fishermen members recently joined ODFW biologists at Lobster Creek to collect Chinook salmon broodstock — a critical step in sustaining future hatchery generations.
Want to get involved?
CAF News and Highlights
Stay updated on important hatchery news, meeting minutes from our latest gatherings, volunteer opportunities that allow you to get involved, community sponsorships, upcoming events, and much more!
Your engagement helps us strengthen our connection with the local community and supports our mission to enhance the health of our fisheries.
JOIN the efforts by donating to Curry Anadromous Fishermen. Thank you!
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.
Our Valued Sponsors
