Chilliwack River hatchery

On this page

• About us
• Visiting the hatchery
• Key activities
• Local fishing and community involvement
• When can I see salmon?

About us

The Chilliwack River Hatchery was built in 1981 to help restore salmon populations to historic levels. The Chilliwack River watershed has, over several decades, been subjected to impacts that had reduced salmon productivity and sustainability. The hatchery maintains salmon populations for commercial, sport and First Nations fisheries. It is also involved in public and community education, stewardship and support for various government agencies (including habitat restoration), fish management, stock assessment and science research. Furthermore, as a result of sustaining fish populations, local and national economies benefit from this Canadian salmon resource.

Visiting the hatchery

Directions

From Highway 1, about 100 kilometres east of Vancouver, take exit 119. Head south on Vedder Road through the communities of Sardis and Vedder Crossing until you come to the Vedder Crossing Bridge. Turn left onto Chilliwack Lake Road immediately before the bridge. Continue on Chilliwack Lake Road for 20 kilometres until you cross the Slesse Creek Bridge; the Chilliwack River Hatchery is on the immediate left. Public parking access is 100 metres further up the main road. Parking for the disabled is through the main gate.

Tours

Public tours are self-guided and the loop trail of the hatchery site will take 30 minutes to complete. School group tours and viewing of adult salmon migration, holding, trapping, sorting and spawning can be arranged by phoning Telephone: (604) 858-7227. The site is paved, with lots of public parking and wheelchair access. Public washrooms are located beside the Egg Take Shelter building.

Key activities

• Fish production to support sustainable fisheries
• Stock conservation
• Stewardship and education
• Habitat restoration
• Stock assessment
• Coded wire tagging
• Indigenous partnerships
• External partnerships
• Water management

Local fishing and community involvement

• Freshwater: Region 2 - Lower Mainland
• Tidal Waters: Area 29 (Lower Mainland/Sunshine Coast)
• Community Projects: Mission/Abbotsford to Beyond Hope, South Side of Fraser River to Abbotsford

When can I see salmon?