Trout Hatchery

The Cowlitz River is consistently ranked as Washington State's number one winter steelhead river. The Cowlitz Trout Hatchery, which is approximately 6 1/2 miles downriver from Mayfield Dam, is the main contributor to the large numbers of steelhead and other trout found here.

The hatchery produces and releases about 1.5 million fish each year. This includes summer steelhead, late winter steelhead, early winter steelhead and sea-run cutthroat trout.

Tacoma Power built and maintains the Cowlitz Trout Hatchery and pays the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife for staffing and operation.

Adjacent to the trout hatchery is the popular Blue Creek Boat Launch, provided and maintained by Tacoma Power.

How to Get There

To get to the trout hatchery and the boat launch from Interstate 5, take State Highway 12 east to the community of Ethel. Turn right (south) on to Tucker Road. Tucker Road bends to the right where it meets Classe Road at a Y. Go straight on to Classe Road. At the end of the road turn left on to Spencer Road. Watch for the signs directing you to turn right to go to the trout hatchery and to the Blue Creek boat launch.
 

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