Open to the public, Creston National Fish Hatchery welcomes visitors to the hatchery for a close-up view of the fish production process. With over 8,000 visitors annually, the dedicated staff at the hatchery will normally be available to answer your questions. Visitors are invited to walk around the raceways where most of the adult trout are held, and visit the hatchery building where eggs and small fish are reared. Educational programs/tours are provided for the public and school groups when scheduled in advance.
When visiting the hatchery, be sure to explore additional recreational opportunities around the hatchery. Try your luck fishing on the Jessup Mill fishing pond while picnicking and enjoying the beautiful surroundings. And be sure to bring your binoculars for the wildlife and bird watching.
The Creston Fish and Wildlife Center is located in the beautiful Flathead Valley approximately 15 miles east of Kalispell and 36 miles south of Glacier National Park. The complex is surrounded by prime agricultural farmland and provides a picturesque setting for raising fish, holding educational opportunities on the grounds and learning more about the environment around us.
Creston National Fish Hatchery is located at the Creston Fish and Wildlife Center in Flathead County, Montana. To locate the hatchery from Kalispell, take State Highway 35 east to Creston, continue east on Highway 35 approximately one mile and turn (left) north on Creston Hatchery Road, and then follow road for approximately one mile to the station. Come prepared for a day of fun!
Creston is open year round, seven days a week, from 8:00 am until 4:00 pm. Self-guided tours of the hatchery are welcomed and encouraged. Staff-guided tours are available upon advanced request and can be arranged by calling the main office at (406) 758-6868.
Numerous educational opportunities are available throughout the year for schools, clubs, civic groups and the general public.
Read our GNP Bull Trout Report (6.33 MB PDF format)
