Mokelumne River Hatchery.
Raceway Ponds.
Fish Ladder.
Chinook Salmon Alevin.
Just downstream of Camanche Reservoir, Mokelumne River Hatchery raises Chinook salmon and steelhead for release to the Mokelumne River. Picnic tables are available in this quintessential riparian habitat.
Visit
Location: 25800 North McIntire Road, Clements, CA 95227
Hours: Open 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Contact: (209) 759-3383, Mokelumne@wildlife.ca.gov
Directions: Located about 2 miles east of Clements. From Highway 12, turn north on McIntire Road. At the end of McIntire Road, turn right and follow the road straight until entering the Hatchery’s parking lot located at the base of Camanche Dam at 25800 North McIntire Road, Clements, CA 95227. MAP(opens in new tab)
When to see Chinook Salmon Spawning: Mid-October to late December
When to see Steelhead Trout Spawning: December to March
Formal Tours
Group tours are offered to schools, clubs, scouts, and other organized groups looking for an educational experience. To schedule a tour, call (209) 759-3383, at least two weeks in advance. Topics Covered
- Chinook salmon and steelhead trout biology
- Purpose and operation of the hatchery
- Importance of watersheds preservation
Tours are limited due to staffing constraints. Public tours are not provided, but visitors are welcome to take a self-guided tour of the hatchery during open hours.
Self-Guided Tours
Follow the fish trail to see all the hatchery highlights: the Mokelumne River, the fish ladder, the hatchery building, and the raceways. Fish food is available for visitors to feed the salmon and steelhead in the raceways. Picnic tables and restrooms are available. During spawning seasons, visitors can watch the artificial spawning process through a viewing window (call ahead to be sure it's a spawning day).
Nearby
- Mokelumne River Day Use Area
- Camanche Reservoir offers seasonal bass and trout fishing
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