Dr. Heywood Visits a Fish Hatchery

At WYVA, we believe in bringing learning to life, even beyond the virtual classroom. That’s why Dr. Joe Heywood, our Executive Director, regularly takes students on engaging “virtual field trips” – exploring fascinating places and activities, all from their screens! 

Today, Dr. Heywood took a trip to a Wyoming fish hatchery nestled just outside Auburn, right on the Idaho border. Join him as he explores this vital part of Wyoming’s ecosystem, learning from biologist Brian how they raise thousands of fish for stocking in local lakes and rivers. 

Inside the hatchery building, jars filled with kokanee salmon eggs offered a glimpse into the circle of life. Brian explained the stages of development, from tiny “sac fry” nourished by their yolk sacs to the slightly older fry preparing to become “swim-up fry.” Kokanee, a landlocked salmon species, eventually make their way to Flaming Gorge and other Wyoming waters. Dr. Heywood also learned about the fish food – a specialized dry feed, similar to pet food but formulated for fish. The sheer scale of the operation was impressive: hundreds of thousands of kokanee, plus thousands of brook and soon-to-arrive rainbow trout! 

Outside, the circular raceways held growing Snake River cutthroat trout. Some were destined for “recruitment,” meaning they’d stay at the hatchery for breeding, while others, the “production fish,” would be stocked in the Jackson and Afton areas as fingerlings. Brian explained how the hatchery’s location, powered by a natural artesian spring, allows for a gravity-fed system, ensuring a constant flow of perfect temperature water. It’s a clever and sustainable setup, thanks to a decades-old agreement between Wyoming and Idaho. 

Dr. Heywood also got to see the two-year-old cutthroat, almost ready for release into local reservoirs. Brian described the process of carefully transferring the fish to a specialized stocking truck for a comfortable ride to their new homes. He even pointed out the shades over the tanks, providing the fish with a sense of security and protection from airborne predators. From tiny egg to thriving fish, it’s a testament to the care and dedication of the hatchery team. 

Watch Dr. Heywood’s full virtual field trip to the Wyoming Fish Hatchery here!

Ready for more adventures with Dr. Heywood? Check out his other virtual field trips, exploring everything from beekeeping to prehistoric discoveries! 

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