The Hatchery

Moran Creek Kokanee Hatchery

The Moran Creek Kokanee Hatchery is located across the road from the Cascade Lake Day Use Area in Moran State Park. The viewing window is usually open, so you can stop to take a glance at the bright silver kokanee sockeye salmon fry.

Kokanee were first introduced into Cascade Lake in the 1930s. Hatchery operations in Moran State Park have taken place at the lake intermittently since the 1960s. In 2001 with support from state agencies and FOM, MSP began to focus on a plan for a sustainable hatchery.

FOM provided a significant amount of funding for the construction and installation of key hatchery components. This project required installing underground pipes to temporarily re-route creek water through the hatchery building for the kokanee. Approximately 72,000 gallons of water run through the hatchery and into Cascade Lake every 24 hours!

Today FOM provides ongoing financial support to Long Live the Kings, the hatchery’s current operator.