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Niagara Springs Fish Hatchery Renovation Temporarily Closes Facility to Visitors by Jaclyn Brandt KIVI-TV, March 5, 2012

Fish production to continue

The Niagara Springs Fish Hatchery will be closed to visitors beginning March 12 until fall of 2013 during the reconstruction of the hatchery and surrounding facilities. Idaho Power is working with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game to ensure that fish production continues throughout the construction period.

The day-use park located east of the hatchery, and Niagara Springs State Park (Pugmire Park), will remain open for use during this time. Motorists are advised to watch for traffic flaggers and stops when entering the area.

Niagara Springs Fish Hatchery is one of four hatcheries owned by Idaho Power and operated by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game to fulfill Idaho Power's obligation under federal licenses to operate its hydroelectric dams on the Snake River. The goal of the hatchery is to rear 1.8 million steelhead smolts annually to sustain steelhead trout runs in the Snake River below Hells Canyon Dam, and the Salmon River and its tributaries.

"The renovations that will be completed in the next two years are designed to provide improved water quality, fish-rearing conditions and fish health within the hatchery, while also addressing overall operational efficiency. We are confident these improvements will benefit the anglers who pursue hatchery-reared steelhead in the Snake, Salmon and Little Salmon rivers," said Paul Abbott, senior biologist at Idaho Power.