Stillaguamish Tribal Hatchery

Record chum run 2003.

The Stillaguamish Tribe has voluntary chosen to not fish for Chinook salmon since 1980.

In 1978 Stillaguamish Tribal Hatchery opened operations as a restoration facility for the Chinook and Coho salmon to rebuild diminished runs. At present, the Chinook salmon is listed on the endangered species list in the Stillaguamish watershed due to degradation of habitat and over-fishing. We work hard in our efforts to change the course of the decreasing population, so that a strong and thriving population can exist again in the Stillaguamish River.

The tribe is responsible for releasing 200,000 wild origin Chinook back into the river system every year. In 1990, the North Fork hatchery expanded the hatchery program by serving as an off-site rearing satellite hatchery for about 50,000 Coho salmon until they smolt and are ready to be released. Annually, the hatchery and fisheries employees educate 500-1500 students in local school tours regarding hatcheries and salmon. We use Chum salmon to exhibit educational categories consisting of: anatomy, habitat, spawning, incubation, water quality, and feeding.

The National Marine Fisheries Service has recently recognized the Tribe's Chinook Natural Stock Recovery Program as essential for the recovery of Endangered Species Act listed Puget Sound Chinook. The tribal Chinook program is one of only six out of 100 hatchery programs that NMFS has acknowledged as critical for recovery.

Hatchery staff are Kip Killebrew , Kevin Gladsjo, and Kelly Baker.

Hatchery Tours

Fishing Regulations