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Hotchkiss National Fish Hatchery

Lazear, Colorado · Delta County · Facility

Hotchkiss National Fish Hatchery is located about 20 miles east of Delta, CO near the town of Hotchkiss and was established in 1967 as part of the Colorado River Storage Project Act. Located on 58 acres along the banks of the North Fork of the Gunnison River, the hatchery's cold, clean water supply comes from the adjac…

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About Hotchkiss National Fish Hatchery

Hotchkiss National Fish Hatchery is located about 20 miles east of Delta, CO near the town of Hotchkiss and was established in 1967 as part of the Colorado River Storage Project Act. Located on 58 acres along the banks of the North Fork of the Gunnison River, the hatchery's cold, clean water supply comes from the adjacent Tommy Dowell Spring. Hotchkiss NFH facilities include 24 inside nursery tanks and 40 concrete raceways to rear rainbow trout. Currently the hatchery produces trout to fill needs for federal water development projects throughout Western Colorado and Northern New Mexico. Fishing is available west of the last raceway in the North Fork of the Gunnison River. A Colorado fishing license is required

Plan Your Visit to Hotchkiss National Fish Hatchery

Heading to Hotchkiss National Fish Hatchery? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for Hotchkiss National Fish Hatchery?

No central reservation system listed for Hotchkiss National Fish Hatchery. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/203821) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Hotchkiss National Fish Hatchery?

Hotchkiss National Fish Hatchery is located about 20 miles east of Delta, Colorado, near the town of Hotchkiss.

How do I contact Hotchkiss National Fish Hatchery?

You can reach the park at phone: (970) 872 3170 or email: craig_eaton@fws.gov.