Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery

The Cowlitz Hydroelectric Project, located on the Cowlitz River and owned by the City of Tacoma, consists of two developments: Mayfield and Mossyrock Dams. Many studies were made to design fish passing facilities needed to maintain the anadromous fish runs across these dams. A decision was finally made to rely for the future on hatcheries to sustain these runs with a continuation of natural propagation in the upper reaches of the Cowlitz River. The Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery is designed to sustain the salmon runs of 17,000 spring chinook, 8,300 fall chinook, and 25,000 coho. The hatchery complex consists of a fish barrier, fish ladders, transportation channel, fish separation facilities, holding and rearing ponds, water supply, hatchery buildings, and other structures. Main features and operation of this hatchery are generally described.