Who We Are
The Issaquah Salmon Hatchery is maintained through a partnership between the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) that runs the internal operations and fish production and the Friends of Issaquah Salmon Hatchery (FISH) that run educational programming including tours, outreach and events.
The Issaquah Salmon Hatchery is the most visited in the state, welcoming over 200,000 visitors a year. The hatchery is open all year round, free to visitors and available for school field trips and the public. The hatchery provides a unique “outdoor classroom” for visitors to learn up close about salmon and watershed stewardship. FISH trains tour docents who amaze visitors with their depth of knowledge about the Northwest salmon life cycle, the importance of watershed stewardship and the operations of the historic hatchery. FISH advocates for salmon through our outreach and educational programming.
Our Mission
Protecting our salmon and ensuring their survival for future generations through education and outreach.
Our Vision
FISH envisions a future where sustainable practices ensure the thriving survival of our salmon, inspiring future generations to become stewards of our precious watershed.
Our Commitment
FISH strives to tell the story of salmon fostering lifeline commitment to their wellbeing.
Our Strategy
FISH partners with local schools and systems to leverage knowledge about salmon and watershed health through field trips, school and classroom visits and on-site programming.
FISH develops and nurtures strong community partnerships to enhance awareness of the hatchery to the residents and visitors.
FISH represents itself in the educational and public policy arenas with partners in common areas of interest, to promote the preservation of the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery, the health of the Issaquah Creek Watershed and the safety of fish passage.
FISH builds and maintains an active volunteer base capable of fulfilling the diversity of roles within FISH to support the implementation of strategy and tactics that lead towards the FISH mission.
