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Welcome to Region 6
The Mountain-Prairie Region consists of 8 states in the heart of the American west including Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming.
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The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has a long tradition of scientific excellence and always uses the best-available science to inform its work to conserve fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitat for the benefit of the American public.
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National Wildlife Refuges
Where Wildlife Comes First
Created in 1903 by President Theodore Roosevelt, today's National Wildlife Refuge System protects habitats and wildlife across the country, from the Alaskan tundra to subtropical wetlands. Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Refuge System's 560-plus refuges cover more than 150 million acres and protect nearly 1,400 species of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and fish.
While national wildlife refuges were created to protect wildlife, they are for people too. Refuges are ideal places for people of all ages to explore and connect with the natural world. We invite you to learn more about and visit the national wildlife refuges and wetland management districts in Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming.
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The Mountain-Prairie Region's Office of Ecological Services (ES) works to restore and protect healthy populations of fish, wildlife, and plants and the environments upon which they depend. Using the best available science, ES personnel work with Federal, State, Tribal, local, and non-profit stakeholders, as well as private land owners, to avoid, minimize, and mitigate threats to our Nation's natural resources.
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Fish and Aquatic Conservation
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Fish and Aquatic Conservation Program in the Mountain-Prairie Region helps conserve, protect, and enhance aquatic resources and provides economically valuable recreational fishing to anglers across the country. The program comprises 12 National Fish Hatcheries.
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Law enforcement is essential to virtually every aspect of wildlife conservation. The Office of Law Enforcement contributes to Service efforts to manage ecosystems, save endangered species, conserve migratory birds, preserve wildlife habitat, restore fisheries, combat invasive species, and promote international wildlife conservation.
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Jackson National Fish Hatchery
1500 Fish Hatchery Road | Jackson, WY 83001
Hours: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Phone: (307) 733-2510 | E-mail: jackson@fws.gov
About The Hatchery
Partnerships | Species & Production | Broodstock Program | Volunteers | Public Information | Open / Close All
About Us
Jackson National Fish Hatchery was originally established in 1950 as part of the Palisades Dam Act to improve fish populations along the headwaters of the Snake River. The hatchery's primary emphasis is producing fish to mitigate for losses from Federal water development projects and to provide for States, Tribes, and research facilities.
Jackson National Fish Hatchery is unique in that the hatchery is physically located on the Fish & Wildlife Service's National Elk Refuge. The hatchery rears trout for a distribution area that covers close to 18,000 square miles in western Wyoming and eastern Idaho. The hatchery was formerly a part of the Fish & Wildlife Service's National Broodstock Program.
Jackson National Fish Hatchery operates with support from partners, including: National Elk Refuge, Lander Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office, U.S. Geological Survey, Wyoming Department of Game & Fish, Idaho Department of Fish & Game, Bureau of Reclamation, Wind River Indian Reservation, and other Federal/State agencies and hatcheries. In addition, many local schools, civic groups, and citizens have been involved with the hatchery's research, operations, and education. The hatchery also partnered with Trout Unlimited to do an angler study on the impacts of streamside erosion on the National Elk Refuge.
These many dedicated partners and volunteers help keep Jackson National Fish Hatchery operating to bring recreational angling opportunities and healthy aquatic ecosystems to you, your family, and future generations.
Currently, Jackson National Fish Hatchery produces close to 200,000 Snake River cutthroat trout averaging 7 inches for Federal, State, and Tribal waters in Wyoming and Idaho. These trout help to restore fish populations, encourage sustainable fish populations and provide angling opportunities for recreational users like you. As a result of the Jackson National Fish Hatchery propagation program, economic benefits weigh-in at over 50,000 angler days of recreational fishing valued at over $5 million.
Trout spawn once a year. The cutthroat trout at this hatchery are from adults that spawn during the spring and early summer months. Eggs are taken from each female by gently pressing her abdomen. If she is "ripe" she will readily release her eggs into a shallow pan. Sperm is collected from male fish in the same manner and is mixed with the eggs to fertilize them. The fertilized eggs are placed in incubators, which resemble a chest of drawers, where a steady flow of water supplies oxygen to the developing embryos. The eggs take about four weeks to hatch into tiny "fry". The fry are nourished for several weeks by the remaining yolk sac until it is used up and they swim to the surface in search of food.
Hatchery trout are fed a specially formulated dry food which, when the fry first begin to feed, is about as fine as table salt. As the young fish grow, the particle size of their diet is increased. Trout grow at the rate of about 1/2 inch per month in 48 degree Fahrenheit water. To meet the trout production demands, the hatchery facilities include 21 raceways and 12 tanks that are fed by a series of springs and four wells.
Jackson Volunteers
Jackson National Fish Hatchery benefits greatly each year through the help of volunteers. From Memorial Day through Labor Day they assist with such things as greeting visitors, answering questions, guiding tours, weeding and cleaning. If you enjoy people and being outdoors, this could be what you're looking for.
The hatchery is open daily and our volunteers are asked to work a schedule that rotates every three or four days. Hours of operation are 8 am to 4 pm. Volunteer shirts, hats, and jackets are provided during your stay. The non-monetary positions include such benefits as a large, full-hookup RV pad and laundry on the premises. The view looks out across the National Elk Refuge, with Jackson Peak and the Sleeping Indian in the background.
Positions are filled using www.volunteer.org. For more information, please contact the hatchery. We look forward to numerous years of working together and making lasting friendships with our volunteers!
Jackson National Fish Hatchery provides many exciting visitor opportunities. We are located 3.5 miles north of Jackson on Highway 89. Open daily from 8:00 am to 4:00pm, except on Federal holidays, the hatchery welcomes visitors for a close-up view of the fish production process. With approximately 10,000 visitors annually, the public is invited to observe fish in several indoor tanks and view photographic displays of spawning and stocking. A separate building outside contains information on local animals, fishing and aquatic invasive species. Guided hatchery tours are available for school groups with reservations.
Activities available on-site include:
- Sleeping Indian Pond on hatchery grounds is very popular for public fishing enjoyment. The 1/2 acre pond has a disability accessible observation/fishing deck that is available to anglers daily from 8 am to 4pm. The pond is an excellent place for children and first time anglers, whether it be fly fishing or just a worm. Non-resident children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult with a license. There is a one fish limit per license. Wyoming fishing regulations apply. Equipment and licenses are not available on-site.
- Wildlife/bird watching
Be sure to bring your binoculars and test your wildlife and birding knowledge! - Photography