Priest Rapids Hatchery

The Priest Rapids Hatchery has one of the most successful adult Chinook salmon return rates of any hatchery in the Columbia River system. Located adjacent to Priest Rapids Dam, the hatchery was originally built by Grant PUD as a salmon spawning channel. Starting in 1972, it was phased into a conventional hatchery operation. Since 1987, all fish raised at the Priest Rapids site have come from returns to the hatchery.

Eggs used in the operation come from adult fall Chinook salmon voluntarily returning to the hatchery from the Columbia River. Eggs are taken from adult females in October and November each year. Fertilized eggs are moved into the hatchery building for incubation over the winter. In the spring, juvenile salmon are moved to outdoor rearing ponds.

Grant PUD pays all annual operating costs for the hatchery, which is staffed by personnel from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.