Indian Creek Hatchery

Supplementing the Production of lower Rogue River Fall Chinook salmon

The major goal of the Indian Creek Hatchery is to supplement the natural production of lower Rogue River Fall Chinook salmon. The lower Rogue River 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.

Hatchery Process

  • Outdoor fish hatchery with concrete tanks and metal railings

    Hatchery Holding Tank

    Each fall, adult salmon return to the hatchery holding pen.

  • People fish with nets in a river surrounded by forested hills.

    Fish Seining

    Adult salmon can also be seined from lower Rogue tributaries. (Seining = a large wall of netting deployed around an entire area or school of fish).

  • White bucket lined with a green plastic bag filled with red liquid on a white surface.

    Sterile Egg Bucket

    When the female salmon are "ripe" the eggs are taken and placed into sterile buckets.

  • Several people engaged in outdoors activity, one holding a salmon fish, wearing winter clothing with a wooden structure in the background.

    Salmon Egg Fertilization

    Eggs are then fertilized with the sperm from several males, directly into the bucket with eggs.

  • A man inspecting trays of fish eggs in a hatchery.

    Fertilized Salmon Eggs

    The fertilized eggs are placed in specially built trays where time and temperature determine hatching.

  • People in fishing gear on a riverbank with fish underwater, truck nearby.

    Chinook Salmon Release

    When the fish reach "smolting stage", determined by appearance, weight and readiness to go to sea, they are released into the Rogue River.

Salmon Smolt Release on the Rogue

Smolt Release on Rogue River, ODFW STEP Program and Curry Anadromous Fishermen of Indian Creek Hatchery

Anadromous Fish in the Wild

It is critical to understand the life cycle of the anadromous species of fish if we are to assist in the preservation of their species. Click the button below to learn more.

A closeup of hands holding a trout in the water.
Stylized fish illustration in gray tones

Become a Volunteer Today

Volunteering with Curry Anadromous Fishermen at Indian Creek Hatchery supports local fish conservation. Volunteers assist with fish spawning, hatchery maintenance, and educational outreach, gaining hands-on experience that enhances understanding of aquatic ecosystems. They promote sustainable fishing practices and contribute to the health of anadromous fish species, benefiting both the environment and community.