Community Rallies in Attempt to Save Mad River Fish Hatchery as Closure Looms

Kids view the fish ladder at the Mad River Hatchery [Image by CDFW]

A grassroots petition to save the Mad River Fish Hatchery is gaining momentum, with nearly 2,000 signatures collected as of Tuesday afternoon. Launched by local fishing guide Tyler Belvin on Change.org, the petition calls on state officials to reverse the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (CDFW) decision to shut down the hatchery this summer.

Located just outside of Blue Lake, the Mad River Fish Hatchery has been part of the North Coast community for more than 50 years. Belvin’s petition describes the hatchery as “a cornerstone of our community,” emphasizing its role in steelhead conservation, local recreation, and environmental education. “Its closure would not only disrupt these crucial activities,” the petition reads, “but would also significantly impact recreational fishing and local traditions linked to our river heritage.”

CDFW announced the planned closure in a recent press release, citing the hatchery’s limited fish production, extensive maintenance needs, and increased regulatory burdens as key reasons for the decision. According to CDFW Northern Region Inland Fisheries Program Manager Jason Roberts, Mad River’s steelhead program “is no longer viable,” producing only 150,000 fish per year — a fraction of what larger hatcheries like the Trinity River facility release annually.

Roberts said the facility would require at least $1 million annually just to maintain current operations, and tens of millions more in repairs to modernize infrastructure and comply with federal standards. As California grapples with a statewide budget crisis, CDFW officials seemingly concluded that resources would be better invested elsewhere.

But Belvin and other local supporters argue the hatchery’s value goes far beyond its production numbers. In addition to supporting a harvestable steelhead fishery that draws anglers and revenue to the region, the hatchery has long provided hands-on learning experiences for local youth. “Without these facilities, future generations might not appreciate or continue to prioritize the protection of our natural resources like the Mad River,” the petition warns.

Belvin is calling for “collaborative solutions,” including public-private partnerships, increased public awareness, and potential state or federal funding to keep the hatchery operational. “Let’s act now to guarantee that this indispensable community asset remains a vibrant part of Blue Lake’s present and future,” he writes.

While some biologists argue that hatcheries can negatively impact wild fish populations, others view them as a necessary bridge while native stocks rebound. The steelhead in the Mad River are federally listed as threatened, and CDFW has acknowledged that strict production caps and monitoring requirements have limited the hatchery’s conservation reach.

Still, local fishermen and residents say the loss of hatchery fish — which can be legally harvested — will mean the end of a decades-old winter fishing tradition. Without the hatchery, nearly all steelhead in the Mad River will soon be wild and protected, subject to catch-and-release only rules.

For now, Belvin’s petition continues to gain support, reflecting deep community concern over the closure. Whether it can influence state policy remains to be seen.

To view or sign the petition, visit Change.org and search for “Save Mad River Fish Hatchery,” or click here.

Earlier: CDFW to End Hatchery Operations at Mad River Fish Hatchery in Humboldt County