Loa Fish Hatchery Reconstruction: Elevating Utah’s Fish Production And Angling

Construction on the new Loa Fish Hatchery is underway, marking a significant milestone for Utah's fish production and angling community. An informational event on Thursday allowed local residents, legislators, county commissioners, and angling organizations to learn about the project's progress and timelines.

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) secured funding for the hatchery's reconstruction during the 2023 legislative session. The original hatchery, built in 1936, closed in November 2014 due to an infestation of the invasive New Zealand mudsnail. The outdated raceways and deteriorating facility made eradication efforts ineffective, necessitating its closure to prevent the spread of the snails through fish stocking.

Utah raises and stocks over 1.1 million pounds of fish annually, with the Loa Fish Hatchery historically contributing about 180,000 pounds per year, the highest output among the state’s 13 hatcheries. Its closure significantly impacted fish production and stocking, placing additional pressure on the remaining hatcheries.

DWR Fish Culture Coordinator Roger Mellethin highlighted the benefits of the new facility, stating in a press release, “The reconstruction of the Loa Fish Hatchery will provide the additional fish-rearing space needed to improve hatchery conditions and meet the annual angling demands for healthy, stockable fish.” The new hatchery will be built on the same site, utilizing local springs and advanced technologies to produce 350,000 pounds of fish annually—almost double its previous capacity—while ensuring clean water returns to the Fremont River.

Economically, the hatchery’s reopening will benefit Wayne County, with a local contractor handling the first construction phase and creating up to six full-time jobs, each paying around $47,000 annually. This influx will bring approximately $238,000 into the local economy each year.

Fishing significantly contributes to Utah’s economy, generating over $1 billion in revenue annually and supporting 8,000 jobs statewide. In 2023, fishing license sales generated $11.5 million, funding various aquatic projects and research. Deputy Director of the Utah Department of Natural Resources Todd Adams expressed gratitude for legislative support, emphasizing the project’s importance in raising nearly one-third of the state’s stockable fish.

Construction of the Loa Fish Hatchery commenced on March 26 and is projected to complete in 2027, with startup and final testing in 2028 before introducing fish. Once operational, it will primarily raise rainbow and cutthroat trout for stocking across Utah. At the informal event, DWR Director J Shirley expressed enthusiasm, saying, “We are so excited for this new facility and all that it will mean for fishing and outdoor recreation in Utah.”