Steelhead hatcheries across the West Coast are confronting an unprecedented funding crisis that threatens their continued operation, with California’s Mad River Fish Hatchery becoming the latest casualty. While these closures alarm some, they will benefit wild steelhead populations struggling to maintain genetic integrity and resilience.
It’s All Trout Spey
In contrast, rivers like the Sol Duc, the Queets, and other coastal rivers tend to be smaller, steeper, receive more rainfall, and have less volcanic geology, all of which tends to make them inherently less productive for growing large trout.