Robertson Creek Hatchery
On this page
- About us
- Visiting the hatchery
- Key activities
- Local fishing and community involvement
- When can I see salmon?
About us
Robertson Creek Hatchery supports Chinook and coho salmon for the Stamp/Somass River watershed. Each year, it incubates millions of eggs and rears juveniles to improve survival and sustain fisheries. The hatchery also maintains a conservation stock of Nahmint River Chinook, preserving genetic diversity. Release strategies include river releases and seapen acclimation in the Alberni Inlet, while mass marking programs enable selective harvest and protect wild stocks. In addition, the hatchery undertakes a lake enrichment project to support sockeye populations and serves as a Pacific Salmon Treaty indicator facility, conducting intensive adult biological sampling and a comprehensive deadpitch program to monitor stock health and migration trends.
Originally built as North America’s largest pink salmon spawning channel, the hatchery now focuses on Chinook and coho enhancement, contributing to First Nations, commercial, and sport fisheries that drive local economic activity. It also provides education and outreach, hosting school programs and public visits year-round.
Visiting the hatchery
Address and contact information
10333 B Central Lake Rd
Port Alberni BC V9Y 8Z2
Telephone: 250-724-6521
Fax: 250-724-6603
Hatchery manager: Erica Blake
Email: DFO.PACRobertsonHatchery-EcloserieRobertsonPAC.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Hours
Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 3:30 pm
Please telephone to confirm holiday hours.
Summer maintenance June 15 through to September 15
Directions
Head east through Port Alberni on Highway 4 and turn right on Central Lake Road. Follow the signs to the hatchery.
Tours
Visitors are welcome to explore the hatchery on self-guided tours, with informative signage throughout the site. Staff may be available to answer questions, and guided tours can be arranged in advance, subject to staff availability. Public parking and washroom facilities are provided for visitor convenience.
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
- Lake enrichment
- Lake productivity monitoring
Local fishing and community involvement
- Freshwater: Region 1 - Vancouver Island
- Community Projects: Central West Coast of Vancouver Island
When can I see salmon?
| Species | Dates |
|---|---|
| Chinook and coho adults | September to November |
| Steelhead adults | February |
| Coho and steelhead juveniles | year-round |
| Chinook fry | April and May |
- Date modified: