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Our Mission at FISH is to Educate and Advocate for Salmon.

We conduct educational tours at the hatchery**; provide an online curriculum for at-home learning; perform in-class presentations throughout Puget Sound**; host salmon-related events**; provide opportunities for the community to engage and volunteer**; and we work with other organizations and local officials to tackle challenging issues affecting salmon survival in our changing world.

Each year, our team of FISH volunteers welcomes tens of thousands of young students and visitors to the hatchery — especially in the fall, when the salmon return to spawn in Issaquah Creek. We draw attention to the presence of these magnificent fish to cultivate a sense of wonder, in a manner that fosters a life-long commitment to their wellbeing. During this challenging year of the Covid-19 pandemic, we have upgraded our online learning curriculum to benefit at-home learning. We welcome teachers, parents and students to explore these learning options — and please check back often as we continue to add features throughout the fall.

We welcome you to explore the wonders of Pacific Northwest salmon, learn about our Issaquah Hatchery and its role in protecting them, and how you can become a salmon steward in our community.

** During normal, non-Covid years.

Covid 19: Changes to the Hatchery & FISH:

Attention Teachers & Educators at Home >> While the hatchery grounds are currently closed to the public, our online learning program is ramping up!

Welcome to the FISH Online Learning Program

Explore our wonderful opportunities for learning about salmon right here — online! Start with our Quick Guide and step up to our Educator’s Guide to dive deeper into their remarkable world.

Our Quick Guide to Salmon

An introduction to the fascinating world of Pacific Northwest salmon. Learn about our five species of salmon, how they make their remarkable journey back home, and our series of “Cool Facts” which will challenge what you think you know about salmon. This is an excellent place to start your education.

Our Educator's Guide to Salmon

Ready for a deeper understanding of everything salmon?! Teachers and students third grade and above: we refer to this section of learning as “Salmon Units.” It is our excellent resource for your curriculum at home and at school.

New! Preserving our Kokanee

A fascinating look at our native kokanee of Lake Sammamish and their relationship to the Snoqualmie People and their efforts to preserve this magnificent species.

New! Educational Video Series

Introducing a new series of salmon education videos called Forest & Fins, designed for students, grades 5 through 8. With each video, we focus on one of the salmon life stages as well as an important topic related to salmon and their environment. Topics include:

  • Elements of a healthy salmon stream
  • Identifying native and non-native plants in your area
  • Macroinvertebrates
  • How to measure water quality (temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, phosphate and turbidity)
  • Current threats to salmon in nature
  • How salmon provide essential nutrients to the forest ecoysystem

Launch the new series HERE

Watch — Salmon: A Miraculous Journey

Now more than ever, FISH needs your help to help fish! We are committed to the important work of educating our young people and our citizens about our iconic Pacific salmon, the importance of clean watersheds, and the vital role our historic Issaquah Salmon Hatchery plays in sustaining our salmon population. With your help, we will continue to do so. Become a member or simply make a tax-deductible contribution today.

Now more than ever, FISH needs your help to help fish! We are committed to the important work of educating our young people and our citizens about our iconic Pacific salmon, the importance of clean watersheds, and the vital role our historic Issaquah Salmon Hatchery plays in sustaining our salmon population. With your help, we will continue to do so. Become a member or simply make a tax-deductible contribution today.