What Utah's New Fish Hatchery Means For Local Anglers

Facing continued population growth and ongoing drought conditions, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is planning ahead to ensure the state can continue providing strong fishing opportunities in the decades to come. Agency officials say the effort includes reviewing fish production and stocking strategies and making adjustments where needed to better manage limited resources.

Utah’s fish hatchery system dates back more than a century. The first traditional state hatchery opened in Murray in 1899, producing eggs and raising fish in raceways. In 1909, the Springville Fish Hatchery became the first state-owned hatchery facility in Utah. Today, the state operates 12 hatcheries, with another currently under construction in Loa that is expected to be completed in 2027.

Utah Fish Hatcheries Are Currently At Capacity

“The reconstruction of the Loa Fish Hatchery has provided the necessary capacity to make meaningful changes in our production methods and hatchery maintenance, as well as to improve the health of the fish we raise and the efficiency of our fish culture statewide,” DWR Fish Culture Coordinator Roger Mellenthin said in a press release. “Currently, our fish hatcheries are all at capacity, and raising fish in close densities can more easily allow for disease transmission. Having Loa completed will allow us to reduce densities at the other hatcheries and enable us to raise overall healthier fish.”

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The planning effort also reflects projections from the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute that Utah’s population could nearly double between 2020 and 2050. More residents are likely to mean more anglers, even though the number of hatcheries and available water sources will remain limited.

Historically, trout species such as rainbow, cutthroat, brown, brook and lake trout have made up the bulk of fish stocked in Utah waters. Over time, the DWR has expanded its hatchery program to include additional sportfish and native species that can thrive in different environments across the state.

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Looking ahead, the new production plan outlines several changes designed to improve efficiency and support conservation efforts. The agency plans to increase production of certain native fish species to help strengthen their populations and prevent potential listings under the Endangered Species Act. Hatcheries will also raise more cool and warmwater sportfish species as warming water temperatures make some reservoirs less suitable for traditional trout stocking.

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“We want anglers to know that we hear the projections for Utah, and we see and experience the changes in our fisheries as well,” DWR Sportfish Coordinator Trina Hedrick said in the press release. “Public satisfaction is a key component of our sportfish management actions and receiving feedback is crucial to these efforts. This plan will help us navigate the future more clearly and more efficiently.”