Tours of the Hatchery

With the continuing need for social distancing due to the risks imposed by the COVID-19 virus, FISH does not know when regular tours will resume. Our advice for planning tours is still posted below, but please be advised that we cannot identify a start date at this time.

FISH offers tours on Saturdays and Sundays at 11:00AM and 1:00PM during the Fall spawning season only beginning September through early November.

While FISH continues to offer tours for groups of 10 or more throughout the year, the biggest demand is in the Fall when the adult salmon return to spawn in Issaquah Creek.

FISH will accept tour requests for September-November Tours starting in June.

To support FISH’s educational programs, we request a small contribution of $5 per participant for our tours.

Reservations are required for guided tours.

SCHEDULING FALL TOURS FOR SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER

Weekday tour times are 10:00AM., 11:00AM., and 12:00 noon Monday through Friday (see the “School Tour” button on the right). Tours are available on afternoons and weekends group tours are available by appointment. However, weekend tours are often not necessary because trained docents are usually at the hatchery during weekend daylight hours to provide information to visitors during the busy fall salmon season.

Please read the Safety at the Hatchery page before coming on your tour. We want our guests and visitors to be safe and enjoy their experience at the hatchery. Thank you.

TO REQUEST A WEEKEND TOUR
SUBMIT THE TOUR REQUEST FORM

TO REQUEST A SCHOOL
TOUR SIGN UP HERE

Planning Your Tour — Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

What will we see on our tour?

During the fall, visitors will view adult salmon spawning in Issaquah Creek, the fish ladder and hatchery holding ponds. There are also exhibits, a native plant garden and wetland for visitors to enjoy. Each visit to the hatchery provides new and fascinating experiences. FISH encourages patrons to visit several times a year to view the various stages of the salmon life cycle.
Is there a fee for the tour?

No, but FISH is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and welcomes donations! FISH staff members and volunteers lead educational tours of the hatchery as a service to the community. A suggested donation of $2 per person is gladly accepted. Children enjoy placing coins in the slot under the fin of the salmon statue in front of the hatchery. (By the way, his name is Finley and his mate is Gilda).
When is the best time of year to visit the hatchery?

The best time to view adult salmon at the hatchery is between mid-September and mid-November. Typically, the first chinook arrive in early September; the first coho return in early October. In early October you are likely to see three species of salmon: Chinook (king), Coho (silver), and sockeye. In recent years we’ve also seen pinks and kokanee in Issaquah Creek.
When do you spawn the adult salmon?

Starting the last Tuesday in September, hatchery personnel retrieve ripe eggs from the females (hens) and fertilize them with milt from the males (bucks). Spawning usually occurs each Tuesday morning (usually 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.) through the end of November, although there may be a break between chinook and coho spawning. Prior to egg and milt removal, the salmon are removed from the water, hit over the head to knock them out, then the females bellies are slit open to remove the eggs. This is a bloody process and is not meant for young children or the queasy. Spawning dates and times are subject to change without notice
What times are tours offered?
Do you offer tours on the weekends?
Can we visit the hatchery even if we don’t schedule a tour?

visit the hatchery even if we don’t schedule a tour?
Absolutely! You are welcome to visit anytime, however, we cannot provide guided tours for groups that are not scheduled. The hatchery is open from dawn to dusk, although some exhibits are only open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Self-guided tour brochures are located at the west ind of the the hatchery building, the long building with the green roof.
How long is the tour?
What is the minimum number of people required to schedule a tour? What is the maximum?

How many chaperones do you require?
What is your address?
Where should we park?

There is minimal parking available at the hatchery. Carpooling is highly recommended. There are eight (8) stalls in the lot off Sunset Way near the shop. Another parking lot is located along a fence behind the fish ponds (also off Sunset Way). To access this driveway, turn in near the large black mailbox off Sunset Way (between fish ponds) Additional parking is located along Front Street and Newport Way and at the large parking garage facility next to the Issaquah Library. Buses are welcome to pull into the parking lots to let students off, then find parking on the street. PLEASE DO NOT DRIVE ACROSS THE FOOT BRIDGE AT THE HATCHERY!
Is the facility wheelchair accessible?
Can we bring our lunches?

Absolutely! During the fall when we have so many visitors, we ask that students eat at Gibson Park, which is located across the street from the hatchery on Newport Way. There is a lovely covered eating area with picnic tables. Please be sure to bring your own garbage bags. Please use our dumpster located in front of the shop, not the trash cans located around the hatchery.
What if we are late?

If you are going to be late, please call FISH at 425.392.1118. Due to a very busy tour schedule, groups arriving 15 or more minutes late may lose their tour reservation. If you arrive too late for a guided tour, you may use a self-guided tour brochure while visiting the hatchery. Please do try your best to be on time. Our volunteer docents take time off from work to lead these tours and are very sad when their groups don’t show up.
What if we arrive early?

Even if you arrive early, we cannot start your tour until your scheduled tour time. You are welcome to walk around the facility, but please be respectful of other groups receiving tours. For instance, if your entire class is waiting near the viewing windows and a tour group comes over, please have your students quietly move aside so the tour group can get a look, too, so they don’t miss the opportunity to see the fish. It’s one of the highlights!
What if we have to cancel?