Chapman Creek is swimming with steelhead now that the 7,500 steelhead released from Chapman Creek Hatchery in 2002 and 2003 have returned to the familiar waterway. "This has been our best year for steelhead in over 20 years," said hatchery manager Bob Anstead.
In total this year the hatchery will release over 600,000 salmon and trout into various lakes and streams on the Coast to help restock salmon and trout populations in our waters.
Hatchery fish can be identified by the absence of their adipose fin.
"Anglers can retain one hatchery fish per day," said Anstead.
The hatchery is also stocking local lakes with cutthroat trout this season.
"We'll be stocking Hotel Lake, Garden Bay, Trout Lake, Klein Lake and Waugh Lake," said Anstead.
The public is invited to come to the hatchery in Wilson Creek on Saturday, May 14, to help release some of the 600,000 fish ready to return to the ocean.
"You can help net fish and help do all the work involved in releasing," said Anstead.
There will also be food and refreshments for sale and information booths on the hatchery's role in the community. The event is free and all are welcome to take part from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 14.
Chapman Creek Hatchery is located at 4381 Parkway, just off of Field Road in Wilson Creek. For more information, call the hatchery at 604-885-4136.
