Salmon Conservation and Research Facility

Visit

Located along the San Joaquin River in northern Fresno County and adjacent to the San Joaquin Hatchery in the town of Friant, the Salmon Conservation and Research Facility (SCARF) was completed in June 2025. SCARF raises Spring-run Chinook Salmon for the San Joaquin River Restoration Program as part of an effort to reintroduce a population to the San Joaquin River.

Although the facility is not open to the public due to biosecurity concerns with the neighboring trout hatchery, the SCARF can be viewed via the Friant Interactive Nature Site (FINS) trail, which runs adjacent to the facility as it winds its way between the San Joaquin (trout) Hatchery to the north and Lost Lake Park to the south. Guided tours may be available for small school groups or arranged through other third-party organizations.

More About This Facility

Educational Resources

Material subject matter (pamphlets, brochures, posters, etc.) related to salmon, conservation, and the SJRRP are available at the information kiosk along the FINS trail just east of the SCARF office.

SCARF drone aerial view.
Salmon Conservation and Research Facility.
Staff using a net to lift salmon out of a shaded holding pen.
Staff moving salmon from quarantine to SCARF.
Staff member in waders standing knee deep in water. They are holding an adult salmon out of the water with both hands.
Adult female Spring-run Chinook Salmon at SCARF.
Two staff members in waders standing knee deep in water in an enclosed area with various equipment. One person holds a net containing an adult salmon partially submerged. The other person secures a salmon in a cradle and is using gear to examine the fish.
Staff performing ultrasound on adult female Spring-run Chinook Salmon to assess spawning readiness.

Fisheries Branch
Branch Chief: Jay Rowan
1010 Riverside Parkway, West Sacramento, CA 95605
Fisheries@wildlife.ca.gov