Cowlitz Trout Hatchery Remodel
We’re thrilled to announce a significant renovation of the Cowlitz Trout Hatchery. Originally constructed in 1968 as part of the mitigation efforts for the Mayfield and Mossyrock dams, this facility stands as one of the largest steelhead hatcheries on the west coast. Together with the Cowlitz Salmon hatchery, it has played a vital role in fisheries and conservation in SW Washington for over 56 years. While it has undergone some upgrades along the way, it’s now time for a major overhaul. The program of projects, spanning multiple years, will focus on incorporating modern technology and designs to enhance fish health, overall survival, operational efficiency, infrastructure reliability, and environmental stewardship.
The Cowlitz Trout Hatchery Remodel program includes five phases: Planning, Design and Permitting, Final approval, Construction, and Commissioning. Kick-off for the planning phase is scheduled to begin in August and will take two calendar years. It will be followed by a two-year design phase. The tentative construction completion date is in 2032.
- Current Site Activity
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- North bank test and observation well construction.
- Survey fieldwork.
- We have notified the county of flooding along Osprey road during heavy rainfall. Please proveed with caution when traveling on this route.
- High-level schedule
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2025-2026
- Initiate permitting
- Surveying
- Design phase
- Develop long-term husbandry plan (bioprogram)
2027-2028
- Finalize permitting
- Final design
2029-2032
- Construction
- Public Meetings and Presentations
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Want to see a presentation or attend a meeting? Click here to view information on the Cowlitz Fisheries Technical Committee.
- FAQs
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What improvements are proposed for the Cowlitz Trout Hatchery Remodel Program?
The Cowlitz Trout Hatchery Remodel Program is divided into multiple phases. Phase 1’s goal is to identify solutions before beginning design and permitting in Phase 2. Overall, the project will incorporate modern technology and designs to enhance fish health, overall survival, operational efficiency, infrastructure reliability, and environmental stewardship.
Will the trout hatchery remain operational during the remodel?
Yes, it will remain operational.
What measures are being taken to minimize environmental impact during the remodel?
We will comply with Federal, State, and Local regulations throughout the process to minimize environmental impacts while meeting our compliance and mitigation requirements.
Will there be any changes to the species or production capacity of the fish hatchery after the rebuild?
We will raise the same mix of species and have a comparable or greater capacity to produce our current fish programs. For more information on our fish hatchery programs please see our current Fisheries and Hatcheries Management Plan (FHMP) 2020.
We are not expecting long-term closures to access the boat launch, although portions (but not all) of the parking lot may be temporarily closed off. Sometimes, there may be short-term (throughout the day) delays to facilitate construction traffic and protect the public and our workers. If long-term closures become necessary, we will post the information at least 24 hours in advance onsite and on our River Flows and Lake Levels page.
What are you doing about bird predation?
Additional bird predation measures at the hatchery will be addressed in the design phase and as part of the alternatives analysis. In 2016, in response to significant fish loss due to bird predation, we installed wires, block nets and wire fencing to protect the fish. Additionally, we increased hazing hours and implemented updated hazing techniques. We have also improved our fish counting and avian impact monitoring through newer technologies.
Are you making changes to the ADA access or the ADA Fishing Site?
We are not planning to change the ADA access or Fishing Site.
Would you like to ask a question?
Use the form below to submit a comment about the trout hatchery project. All comments are reviewed by TPU.