Department of Fish and Game

Mad River Hatchery

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Visitor Information

Come and Explore !

Students watch enthralled as steelhead are spawned before them.
  • Hours:
    The California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) and Friends of the Mad River Hatchery team up to provide free tours of the Mad River Fish Hatchery during the spawning season (generally January through March). Tours are provided from 8:30 am until 11:00 am -rain or shine- with each tour lasting about thirty minutes. School groups and the general public are encouraged to attend.

    Attendees will be able to observe the entire process from the selection of specific adults for spawning, to the final disposition of fertilized eggs in the hatchery egg incubation system. Please join us for this fun and educational experience!

  • Phone Numbers:
    • Hatchery: (707) 822-0592
  • Address:
    1660 Hatchery Road
    Arcata, CA 955212
  • Directions:
    Highway 299 to the Blue Lake exit (5.3 miles east of Highway 101), go straight on Blue Lake Blvd. Continue straight through roundabout. Take next right onto Greenwood Road, approximately 0.4 miles. Turn left on Railroad.
  • Recreational Opportunities:
    The Mad River Fish Hatchery offers opportunities for birdwatching, fishing, picnicking and river viewing. Restrooms are also available on site.