Nimbus Fish Hatchery

Welcome to the

NIMBUS
FISH HATCHERY

First Stop: The Visitor Center

The Visitor Center

As you walk into the Visitor Center,
the first display you will see is our giant fishy family.

Loading...

The Visitor Center

Loading...

Loading...

I'm a Steelhead Trout!

Loading...

Here you can listen to Steelhead Trout and Chinook Salmon as they describe their journey from the ocean to
the river.

Loading...

The Visitor Center

Loading...

Loading...

In the middle of the center, you'll find our mural wall of California. Here, we'll learn about the Salmon Life Cycle and waterways the Salmon will have to journey through!

The Salmon Life Cycle

Fall is a special time for us here at the Nimbus Fish Hatchery. This is when Adult Salmon are swimming from the Pacific Ocean back to American River to spawn!

The Salmon Life Cycle

Salmon begin as small eggs. We can see eyes developing at about 26 days, then they will gradually grow into Alevin at about 50 days, and Fry when they are about 85 days old.

The Salmon Life Cycle

Sometimes
Salmon are born with different color variations. Although most
Fry look like me!

After the Fry stage, Salmon will begin to make their way out to the Pacific Ocean where they will eat as much as they can until it is time to return to the river and spawn.

Second Stop: The Fish Ladder

Many Salmon will spawn naturally in the American River, but some will journey up the Fish Ladder and into the hatchery where staff can help them with the process.

Growing Salmon!

Eggs will be placed into "Hatching Boxes" and will eventually develop into Alevin and then Fry. Once the Salmon have developed into Fry, they will be placed in the raceways outside.