Volunteers Raising Salmon
Indian Creek Hatchery
“We Hatch ‘Em, You Catch ‘Em”
The Indian Creek Hatchery is a cooperative venture with Curry Anadromous Fishermen (CAF), Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Salmon Trout Enhancement Program (STEP), people of Central Curry County, and the Knox Family to increase the number of Fall Chinook Salmon in area streams.
In addition to cultivating and releasing 80,000 to 100,000 juvenile salmon into the Rogue River annually, we educate the residents and visitors of Curry County about our processes and the individuals involved in this effort.
CAF News and Highlights
Stay updated on important storm damage repairs, the exciting return of our salmon, meeting minutes from our latest gatherings, volunteer opportunities that allow you to get involved, community sponsorships, upcoming events, and much more! Your engagement helps us strengthen our connection with the local community and supports our mission to enhance the health of our fisheries.
Most Recent News:
Salmon Return
First truckload of fall chinook salmon returning back to Indian Creek hatchery after flood damage to our infrastructure.
JOIN our storm damage restoration efforts by volunteering or donating to Curry Anadromous Fishermen. Thank you!
Our Collective Goals
Provide fish for commercial (ocean) and sport fishing harvest while minimizing any potential adverse impacts on native populations.
Support economic and cultural values associated with historic salmon fisheries while reducing social pressures to increase fisheries directed at listed or candidate species.
Educate students and increase public awareness of salmon biology, critical life stages, and special habitat requirements.
Indian Creek Hatchery Program Summary
10-year data for Chinook Salmon Smolts released into the Rogue River
730,379
2024 Returning Salmon
99
Indian Creek Hatchery
The major goal of the Indian Creek Hatchery is to supplement the natural production of lower Rogue River Fall Chinook salmon. The lower Rogue stock was dangerously low during the 1980's but has shown dramatic improvement over the past several years. It is believed that habitat improvement and hatchery supplementation can help maintain a healthy stock especially in years of drought or poor ocean conditions. The Indian Creek Hatchery is operated by Curry Anadromous Fishermen.
Curry Andromous Fishermen
Curry Anadromous Fishermen (CAF) is a nonprofit service organization dedicated to preserving Fall Chinook salmon while supporting future salmon populations for commercial and recreational fishing. Through its operation of Indian Creek Hatchery, CAF partners with ODFW’s Salmon Trout Enhancement Program (STEP) to rear fish, collect broodstock, and educate the community about fisheries conservation. Volunteers play a vital role in hatchery operations, habitat restoration, and outreach efforts, ensuring the long-term health of local salmon and trout populations.
ODFW STEP Program
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (ODFW) Salmon Trout Enhancement Program (STEP) empowers volunteer organizations like Curry Anadromous Fishermen (CAF) to make a significant impact on local fisheries. Through its operation of Indian Creek Hatchery, CAF works alongside ODFW to rear Fall Chinook salmon, collect broodstock, and educate the community on fish conservation. Though small and volunteer-run, CAF plays a crucial role in sustaining salmon and trout populations, demonstrating how dedicated local efforts can contribute to the long-term health of Oregon’s fisheries and watersheds.
CAF Senior Scholarship Opportunity
As the end of the school year is fast approaching, many of you are planning for your future educational endeavors. Curry Anadromous Fishermen (CAF) are currently accepting applications for (3) $1,500 scholarships to be awarded to students that qualify.
Our Valued Sponsors
Indian Creek Hatchery Fall Chinook Salmon Smolts Released into the Rogue River – 2024
In 2024, Indian Creek Hatchery released thousands of fall Chinook salmon smolts into the Rogue River, continuing a long-standing mission to supplement natural salmon populations and support a healthy, sustainable fishery. These young salmon, known as smolts, have been carefully reared at the hatchery from fertilized eggs to a size and stage that prepares them for their journey to the ocean.
This release marks a critical milestone in the salmon life cycle — but it’s just one part of a much larger effort. Ongoing work at the hatchery, including habitat monitoring, fry care, water quality management, and volunteer-supported maintenance, ensures these salmon have the best possible chance to thrive at sea and return home to spawn.
The dedicated work of volunteers and partners like the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s STEP program and Curry Anadromous Fishermen makes this possible year after year. Your donations, membership, and volunteer support are vital to sustaining this cycle — from egg to ocean and back again.
Be a part of this legacy. Help us bring them home.
