The Feather River Fish Hatchery in Oroville raises salmon and steelhead beside the Feather River, just below Lake Oroville. Its fish-viewing areas, river setting and hatchery operations make it a local outing; the site is about 1.2 miles from Sunset Inn.
- Address: 5 Table Mountain Boulevard, Oroville, CA 95965.
- Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m..
- Underwater viewing: migrating fish are generally visible from mid-September through June.
- Guided tours: available by reservation through the Lake Oroville Visitor Center at (530) 538-2219.
Times checked November 2026.
What the hatchery does
The hatchery raises spring- and fall-run Chinook salmon and steelhead for release into the Feather River. Its work supports fish populations affected by the construction of Oroville Dam and related facilities.
Built in 1967 by the California Department of Water Resources, the hatchery is owned and maintained by that department. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife operates it under contract.
What visitors may see
The site has two sections on opposite sides of Table Mountain Boulevard, so check which features you want to see before crossing between them. The east side has the fish barrier dam, an observation platform and underwater viewing. On the west side are the spawning room, hatchery and rearing ponds.
Fish remain in the rearing ponds all year. Windows along the spawning building offer a view of spawning, while windows into the fish ladder show fish moving upstream during spawning periods.
Seasonal viewing and timing
Fish viewing varies with the spawning cycle, while the rearing ponds provide a year-round view of fish. The underwater windows are generally best for migrating salmon or steelhead from mid-September through June.
Salmon spawning can be observed on weekdays from mid-September until mid-November. Steelhead spawning is visible from mid-December through mid-February. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife gives the hatchery’s hours as 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., but hours can change, so check the official site before you go.
Public access and facilities
Public amenities include designated parking, restrooms and accessible ramps. ADA access is available to the viewing platform, viewing window and gathering tank at the top of the fish ladder.
The north-bank visitor area has a landscaped parking lot and an observation platform overlooking the Fish Barrier Dam and Feather River Low Flow Channel. For tour reservations, contact the Lake Oroville Visitor Center at (530) 538-2219. The hatchery’s contact number is (530) 538-2222, and its email is FeatherRiver@wildlife.ca.gov.
How do you get to the hatchery from Oroville?
From Highway 70, take the Grand Avenue / Nelson Avenue exit and continue east on Grand Avenue. Turn right onto Table Mountain Boulevard and follow it downhill south toward the river; the hatchery entrances are just before the river crossing.
For a separate town-centre outing, a walking guide to historic downtown Oroville can help you plan a stroll among the city’s historic streets.
Nearby river and local stops
Fishing is available at Lake Oroville and several nearby rivers. If you are putting together a full day around town, a one-day Oroville itinerary offers a broader local plan.
FAQs
Can you see fish at the hatchery all year?
Fish are present in the rearing ponds throughout the year. The underwater viewing windows are generally best for migrating fish from mid-September through June.
When can you watch salmon or steelhead spawning?
Salmon spawning is observable on weekdays from mid-September until mid-November. Steelhead spawning can be seen from mid-December through mid-February.
Are guided tours available?
Yes. Guided tours are available by reservation through the Lake Oroville Visitor Center at (530) 538-2219.
What facilities are available to visitors with mobility needs?
The site has accessible ramps and ADA access to the viewing platform, viewing window and gathering tank at the top of the fish ladder.