Issaquah State Salmon Hatchery

Jim McClung

A visitor from Finland to show her this gem that is in our area. Even though it was the offseason for the hatchery, we were able to see large tanks or pens full of baby coho fry and 2 year old rainbow trout. But the pens were mostly empty of the fish fry and no large, breeding salmon were returning to the hatchery yet. We were able to explain to her the excitement that the community has about this Hatchery during the Issaquah Salmon Days celebrations in early October. Suddenly, we heard a woman's voice who asked if we wanted some information and it was one of the local docents of the Hatchery. And we spent about 15 minutes having a personal discussion about the Hatchery and the great things that it does. We felt fortunate to have that opportunity to speak with her and we appreciated it. She told us the returning adults can start to appear around August, if the water is cool enough and the temperature isn't too hot which depletes oxygen from the water. We now plan to go back before the large crowds of Salmon Days so that we can start seeing the earliest salmon arrive.

Wendy Robinson

Great little tour. Megan was a wonderful guide. No big salmon in June nor is the ladder filled but come back in the fall and there will be a lot more fish to see. Our 4yr old loved feeding the fish at the end

Travis Murdock

Great way to see live salmon and learn about their lifecycle. The hatchery has a nice education center and a self-guided tour that walks you through the raising and releasing of the fish that replenish stocks. Wonderful for kids and adults. Check the site and come when the fish are climbing the ladders.

David Sprague

Coming learn about the amazing, heroic journey and life cycle of the mighty Pacific Northwest Salmon! Very informative!! Fun for all ages! Free to all. Bathrooms. Gift shop. Doesn't smell fishy!