24: Why Every Angler Should Visit a Fish Hatchery + Bonneville Dam Tour

In this episode of Fishing for a Reason, Jamie and Scott share their exciting visit to the Bonneville Fish Hatchery and Dam along the Columbia River in Oregon. This spontaneous road trip detour turned into a full-day educational experience, featuring massive sturgeon, powerful hydroelectric turbines, and insights into fish conservation and hatchery operations. If you've ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at a hatchery — from spawning techniques to how millions of salmon and steelhead are raised — this episode is a must-listen.

🎯 What Listeners Will Learn:

• Why visiting fish hatcheries can deepen your appreciation for fishing and conservation
• The importance of hatcheries in salmon recovery
• Step-by-step breakdown of the spawning and hatchery process
• The species raised at Bonneville (including Coho, Chinook, and steelhead) and how they're distributed
• Why August is the best month to visit if you want to see big kings
• Recommendations for other Pacific Northwest hatcheries to visit

Resources & Links Mentioned:

• Bonneville Fish Hatchery Info
• Find a hatchery - WDFW

🧠 Salmon School Enrollment (limited spots): Email [email protected] with subject line Salmon School to secure yours.