Inch Creek Hatchery

On this page

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

About us

The Inch Creek Hatchery produces coho, sockeye, chum and steelhead for a number of local tributaries that lead to the Fraser River. The project was originally conceived and constructed (from 1981 to 1983) as a satellite facility. Brood stock is collected from a number of local streams. Eggs are incubated and reared at the hatchery using groundwater exclusively from adjacent wells. When the eggs have developed into fry or smolts, they are released into their streams of origin, such as the Pitt and Stave rivers. The hatchery works regularly with community groups and the Freshwater Fisheries Society of B.C.

Visiting the hatchery

Directions

Travel approximately 10 kilometres east from Mission along Lougheed Highway (Highway 7) to Dewdney. The hatchery is 3 km off the highway. Turn off the highway at Hawkins Pickle Road just before Highway 7 crosses railway tracks. After 1.5 km, the name of the road changes to Bell Road. Please follow hatchery signs.

Tours

Tours are provided, with advance booking to groups such as seniors and students. The hatchery is a host site for the annual Fraser Valley Bald Eagle Festival, which takes place in mid-November. Many displays, explaining salmon and wildlife, are available during this event.

Key activities

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

Local fishing and community involvement

• Freshwater: Region 2 - Lower Mainland
• Tidal Waters: Areas 29 (Lower Mainland/Sunshine Coast)
• Community Projects: Mission/Abbotsford to Beyond Hope

When can I see salmon?