Amenities

Parking, fishing, swimming, picnic tables, shore launch.

History

The third state-owned fishery in Idaho was built on the south shore of the Pend Oreille River in 1909. Sandpoint sportsmen contributed $900 to purchase the 20-acre site.

During its early years, cutthroat and non-native Eastern brook trout were the only species reared here. By the 1915-16 period, production had climbed to 4.6 million fish, about three-fourths of which were brook trout. Brook trout stocking was discontinued, but not before self-sustaining populations were established. Unfortunately, brook trout and other non-native species can be a threat to iconic Idaho native fish such as bull and cutthroat trout. Along with lost habitat and illegal harvesting, invasive species have since contributed to declines of native bull and cutthroat trout.

The hatchery was extensively repaired and remodeled during 1929 and 1930. This boosted capacity, and over 9 million fish were distributed from here in 1931; 7 million were whitefish and most of the rest were cutthroat. In 1934 the output of whitefish alone approached the 12.5 million mark. 

Kokanee salmon and Kamloops rainbows were added in the late 1930s and early 1940s, and became the most popular fish in Pend Oreille Lake from that time on. The world record freshwater rainbow of 37 pounds was caught in 1947, and the lake has produced many fish over 30 pounds. 1985 was the last production year, when about 2.5 million fish were planted.

The hatchery is now a self-guided public educational facility focusing on Idaho’s fish, wildlife, wetlands and forests, and the importance of conserving these natural resources.