The Saratoga National Fish Hatchery: Raising Trout for Stocking

Located just 4 miles northeast of Saratoga, Wyoming off State Highway 130, the Saratoga National Fish Hatchery is operated by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. The hatchery, which dates back to 1915, raises a variety of trout for stocking in waterways across the country.

Rainbow, brook, Snake River cutthroat, Colorado River cutthroat, and the endangered Greenback cutthroat are all raised at the hatchery. Adult cutthroat, brown, and lake trout are kept there for breeding as well.

Visitors are welcome to tour the hatchery and see the display room, tank room, rearing ponds, and concrete raceways where the fish are kept. The trout eggs produced from the broodstock are shipped to other federal and state hatcheries nationwide where they are raised for stocking.

Free Admission!

The hatchery underwent extensive renovations in 1995 and 1996, including the addition of new concrete raceways for the fish. Today, admission to the hatchery is free, making it a great destination for families and anyone interested in learning more about trout hatcheries.

The Saratoga National Fish Hatchery is not only an important resource for the fishing industry, but it also provides a unique opportunity for visitors to see firsthand how trout are raised and prepared for stocking in rivers and streams across the country.

So, whether you're an avid angler or simply interested in learning more about the world of fish hatcheries, a visit to the Saratoga National Fish Hatchery is definitely worth considering.