Nimbus Fish Hatchery Annually Produces Millions of Fish

The Nimbus Fish Hatchery annually produces and stocks more than one million half-pound catchable trout, a quarter-million one-ounce trout and three-and-a-half-million fingerling trout, which are distributed into more than 250 waterways in the Sacramento Valley Central Sierra Region, according to the Department of Fish and Game website. A list of expected planting dates and locations can be found on the DFG website.

In addition, one million Kokanee Salmon and Cutthroat Trout eggs are produced for stocking throughout California. That equates to nearly seven million fish produced anually. 

The trout, salmon and steelhead are raised in 12 "raceway ponds" until they are ready for release into the Sacramento River system and surrounding waterways. At any given time throughout the year, there is an estimated one million fish being raised in the raceway ponds.

Raceway ponds are open for viewing and feeding daily, 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. on the weekends. Guided tours are offered to the public and can be obtained by filling out a Tour Reservation / Lottery Form.