Rainbow Trout Broodstock Hatchery
Ennis National Fish Hatchery welcomes you to take a self-guided tour. There is a kiosk at the Hatchery parking lot with visitor information and tour directions. You and your family or group are always welcome to visit our hatchery at your leisure. Guided tours for groups are also available, please call to schedule one in advance.
Ennis NFH
The Ennis National Fish Hatchery was authorized by Congress in May 1930, and started fish culture operations in July 1933. The hatchery is currently an integral part of the National Broodstock Program, producing about 20 million rainbow trout eggs annually for research facilities, universities and federal, state and tribal hatcheries in 23 states. As a result of the Ennis Broodstock Program, economic benefits weigh-in at 5 million angler days and generates $50 million per year.
Ennis NFH continues to be whirling disease free, the spring covers and raceways covers ensures it continued disease-free status.
The hatchery also produces 350,000 fingerling rainbow trout for the state of Montana, these fish are stocked in Montana lakes and reservoirs. After 3 or 4 years, broodstock (the adult fish that provide eggs) are “retired” and stocked into public waters in Montana's urban and youth programs.
