Snootli Creek Hatchery

On this page

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

About us

Completed in 1978, the Snootli Creek Hatchery’s mission is to rehabilitate the chum population in the Bella Coola River and its tributaries. The hatchery produces a number of salmonid species with adult salmon return numbers ranging from 360,000 to 2,160,000 depending on species, stock, release strategy and environmental factors. The Snootli Creek Hatchery has a long history of working with external initiatives to provide facilities and guidance for projects around the B.C. Central Coast.

Visiting the hatchery

The hatchery is undergoing major renovations to modernize its infrastructure and improve operations. It is closed to drop-in visitors until further notice. To visit the outdoor sections of the site, please contact us by phone to reserve a guided tour. Note that tours are subject to availability.

Directions

The Snootli Creek Hatchery is located 12 kilometres east of Bella Coola at the head of the North Bentinck Arm on B.C.'s central coast. Head east of Bella Coola on Highway 20 and watch for signs.

Tours

Guided tours are provided depending on the number of staff available. Please call ahead for additional tour information and tours for large groups. For the safety of the public, no self-guided tours are permitted. Currently there are no public facilities at the site.

Key activities

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

Local fishing and community involvement

• Freshwater: Region 5 - Cariboo
• Tidal Waters: Areas 8 and 108 (Fitz Hugh Sound/Bella Coola)
• Community Projects: Central Coast: Cape Caution to Caamano Sound, east to Tatla Lake

When can I see salmon?