A Golden Anniversary

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Hundreds gathered in front of the hatchery spawning building for the Dedication Ceremony for the Feather River Fish Hatchery in Oroville, California. The Salmon and Steelhead hatchery is operated by the California Department of Fish and Game and funded by the Department of Water Resources. Photo taken October 11, 1967.

On October 11, 1967, hundreds of people gathered in front of the hatchery for the dedication ceremony.

The Feather River Fish Hatchery, constructed by DWR and operated by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, celebrates its 50th anniversary this October. Each year, roughly 9,000 to 18,000 salmon and 2,000 steelhead are spawned and raised at the hatchery. Once they reach a specific weight, they are released in the river or in San Pablo Bay to mature in the Pacific Ocean for two to three years before returning to the Feather River. The hatchery was constructed to improve the chances of survival for spring and fall run Chinook salmon and steelhead trout, protecting fish eggs from predation as well as abrupt changes in river flows and water temperatures. Read more about the Feather River Fish Hatchery or book a tour by calling 530-538-2222.

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