Mokelumne River Fish Hatchery facts for kids
The Mokelumne River Fish Hatchery is a special place in San Joaquin County, California, where fish are raised. It was built in 1963 by the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) to help fish populations.
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What is the Mokelumne River Fish Hatchery?
This hatchery is like a nursery for fish. Its main job is to help fish, especially Chinook salmon and steelhead, grow and survive. It makes sure there are enough fish in the Mokelumne River.
A Look at Its History
The hatchery was built because the Camanche Dam changed the river. This dam made it harder for fish to find places to lay their eggs. So, the hatchery was created to help make up for that lost space.
Dealing with a Drought
From 1987 to 1992, there was a big drought. This meant the river didn't have much water. Because of low water levels and many fish dying, fewer steelhead trout returned to the Mokelumne River during the 1980s.
To fix this, EBMUD started several projects. They worked to make the water cleaner, control the river's flow better, and improve the places where fish live.
Hatchery Improvements
The hatchery itself got a big upgrade in July 2002. They made the areas where young fish grow much larger. This extra space helps the fish stay healthy and survive better. It also made the hatchery run more smoothly.
Since these improvements, the fish populations in the Lower Mokelumne River have become much stronger. For example, the number of fall-run Chinook salmon returning to the river increased by 3,028 between 1998 and 2003.
Visiting the Hatchery
The hatchery is owned by EBMUD but is run by the California Department of Fish and Game. It is open every day, even on holidays, from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Getting There
You can find the hatchery in northeast San Joaquin County, California. It's right at the bottom of the Camanche Dam. To get there, you take McIntire Road north from State Route 12.
Tours and Activities
The hatchery offers special educational tours for schools and other groups. These tours teach you about:
- The lives of Chinook salmon and Steelhead trout.
- How the hatchery works and why it's important.
- Why it's important to protect river watersheds (the areas where water collects and flows into a river).
If you're just visiting, you can take a self-guided tour. The hatchery is also a popular spot for fishing, watching wildlife, and hiking. All the trails at the hatchery are paved and can be used by wheelchairs.
- Dan Bacher
- California Department of Fish and Game
- The Lodi News Sentinel
