McKenzie Hatchery Visitors' Guide
The McKenzie River originates in the Cascade Range and empties into the Willamette River near Eugene, which then flows northward into the Columbia River. McKenzie Hatchery was first constructed in 1938 and rebuilt in 1975. Today, 30 rearing ponds, a visitor's center, spawning room, egg incubation facility, office, feed storage, shop area, fish ladder and picnic area are the main components of the facility layout.
McKenzie Hatchery is temporarily closed to comply with Oregon Department of Environmental Quality permit conditions. Visitors should be aware that no fish are present in the facilities' production raceways and show ponds. Fish have been transferred off-site but there has been no change to trout stocking in Willamette Valley waterbodies nor any reductions in production of trout or salmon from the facilities as a result of this shift. Trout and Spring Chinook for release in 2025 will be returned to the facilities in November 2024 and operations at the hatcheries will return to normal.
Best time to visit: mid May - early October. Adult spring Chinook salmon spawning can be viewed in September to early October.
Visiting hours:
October thru April- 7:30 a.m. to dusk
May thru September - 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Fish raised: spring Chinook salmon
What to see and do: The facility has a picnic area and a visitor center overlooking the spawning area. The McKenzie River offers excellent fishing for trout, steelhead and salmon in a scenic setting. Group tours of the hatchery are available by advance arrangement.
- Wildlife: bird watching, fish
- Facilities: camp host, picnic area, restroom
- Nearby:
- Ben and Kay Dorris State Park offers fishing, picnicking, hiking and boating opportunities.
- EWEB (Eugene Water & Electric Board) Lloyd Knox Park at Leaburg Dam has fishing, picnicking, hiking, and boating opportunities.
- EWEB’s Leaburg Canal has cycling, dog walking, and hiking.
Directions: Travel 22 miles east from Eugene/Springfield on Hwy. 126. McKenzie Hatchery is located two miles east of Leaburg at milepost 22.
Address and Phone:
McKenzie Hatchery
43863 Greer Drive
Leaburg, OR 97489
541-896-3513
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