Kootenay Trout Hatchery

The Kootenay Trout Hatchery rears up to 3 million baby trout each year to enhance recreational fishing opportunities. The species raised here are Rainbow, Cutthroat trout, Brook Char and Kokanee to enhance recreational fishing opportunities. In addition, the red-listed White Sturgeon are raised here for conservation purposes.

Location

Located 45 kilometres (28 mi) east of Cranbrook, on the east side of the Kootenay River, this hatchery is one of six that is owned and operated by the Freshwater Fisheries Society of British Columbia.

Attractions

A tour guide is on hand daily from May through August.

An extensive interpretive area with aquaria, educational models, displays and a turtle pond is open every day from 9am to 3pm for self-guided tours.

There is also a stocked fishing pond on-site for children and new anglers to practice their skills in catch and release angling.  Rods are available for loan and a guide can help get visitors set up for fishing.

Learn to Fish Programs can be arranged in advance, which include a guided tour of the facility.