Located downstream from the Oxbow Dam powerhouse at the mouth of Pine Creek, Oxbow Hatchery is a holding and spawning facility for adult steelhead migrating up the Snake River, above its confluence with the Salmon River.

A major renovation of the hatchery was completed in 2025. Chinook and steelhead trapping, spawning, and egg collection continued during construction, and the facility is now open to walk-in visitors. Groups should schedule tours in advance by contacting the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG), which operates and staffs the hatchery.

Built in 1961, Oxbow Hatchery was the first hatchery facility built by Idaho Power as part of our hatchery mitigation program.

Adult steelhead are collected in a trap at Hells Canyon Dam and held to maturity at Oxbow Hatchery where they are artificially spawned by hatchery staff. More than 1 million eggs are fertilized and go through their first stages of development here. Eventually, the eggs are delivered to Niagara Springs Hatchery to hatch and grow for approximately 11 months before they are ready for release into the Snake River below Hells Canyon Dam.

Idaho Power also traps adult spring Chinook salmon from the Snake River for use as broodstock at Rapid River Hatchery. Fish are trapped at Hells Canyon Dam, temporarily held at Oxbow Hatchery and then transferred to Rapid River Hatchery.

Oxbow Hatchery is owned and financed by Idaho Power. For additional information about the hatchery, visit the Idaho Department of Fish and Game’s website.