Spawning Steelhead at Dworshak National Fish Hatchery, Ahsahka, Idaho

Date: Circa 1970s Source Type: Postcard Printer, Publisher, Photographer: Ross Hall Scenics, H. S. Crocker Company (#14898-D) Postmark: None Collection: Steven R. Shook Remark: The Dworshak National Fish Hatchery was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 1969 an is co-managed by the Nez Perce Tribe and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The following text is printed on the reverse of this postcard --

APPROXIMATELY 25 MILLION STEELHEAD EGGS are taken here annually at the World's largest steelhead hatchery near Orofino, Idaho. In early spring, adult steelhead returning up the Clearwater River from the ocean to spawn, are trapped, temporarily drugged (for ease and safety in handling), and emptied from cages on to a stainless steel table (left). Those fish (some upwards of 30 lbs.) that are "ripe" are sorted out (center). Each female is gently spawned of approx. 6,000 eggs by a low air pressure air hose (upper right). The eggs are placed in buckets and the male fish (lower right) are milked of their sperm of "milt" over the eggs to start life's cycle over again.