The History of Sisson Fish Hatchery: A Century of Conservation and Innovation

The Sisson Fish Hatchery, now known as the Mount Shasta Hatchery, stands as a testament to California’s long-standing commitment to fish conservation and propagation. Established in 1888, this venerable institution has played a pivotal role in shaping the state’s approach to fisheries management for over a century. This article traces the hatchery’s history from its humble beginnings to its position as a cornerstone of California’s fish culture efforts.

Origins and Early Years (1877-1888)

The story of Sisson Hatchery begins even before its official establishment. In 1877, J.H. Sisson, the namesake of the town of Sisson (now Mount Shasta City), constructed a trout rearing pond near his tavern to enhance fishing opportunities for guests. This entrepreneurial spirit foreshadowed the site’s future importance in California’s fish culture.

In 1888, recognizing the potential of the location, the California Fish Commission officially established the Sisson Hatchery on Spring Creek, a tributary of the upper Sacramento River in Siskiyou County. The site was chosen for its abundant supply of pure water and its proximity to the railroad, crucial factors for successful fish propagation and distribution.

Establishment and Early Operations (1888-1910)

The hatchery’s first superintendent, J.A. Richardson, oversaw the construction of the initial facility: a single 40-by-60-foot building housing 44 hatchery troughs. Despite its modest beginnings, the hatchery quickly became an integral part of California’s fish conservation efforts.

W.H. Shebley succeeded Richardson in 1893, ushering in an era of expansion and increased production. By 1910, the hatchery’s annual output had grown from a few hundred thousand fry to an impressive 66 million trout and salmon fry. This period also saw the beginning of a fruitful collaboration with Baird Hatchery on the McCloud River, which served as an egg collection station for Sisson Hatchery.

Expansion and Innovation (1911-1937)

The early 20th century brought significant developments to Sisson Hatchery:

1. In 1911, the California Fish and Game Commission created the Department of Fish Culture and Distribution, with W.H. Shebley at its helm.
2. R.W. Requa, appointed Assistant Superintendent in 1911, invented the Requa rotary fish screen, an important innovation in fish culture.
3. The hatchery expanded its facilities, adding more holding ponds to accommodate longer-term rearing of salmon fry.
4. To address distribution challenges, the state purchased its first fish distribution car in 1907, adding a second in 1915. These specially equipped railroad cars could transport up to 250,000 fish per trip, reaching destinations as far as Mexico City.

By 1926, the hatchery had grown to include 60 ponds and five hatchery buildings with 468 hatching troughs, marking its evolution into a major fish culture center.

Addressing Environmental Challenges (1920s-1960s)

The construction of Copco Dam on the Klamath River in the 1920s presented a new challenge to salmon conservation efforts. In response, Sisson Hatchery established the Fall Creek Egg Collecting Station near Copco. This initiative involved collecting eggs from wild king salmon, hatching them at Sisson Hatchery, and releasing the juveniles back into the Klamath River, mitigating the dam’s impact on salmon migration and spawning patterns.

Modernization and Continued Growth (1950-1960)

The post-war era brought significant modernization to the hatchery. From 1950 to 1952, the facility underwent major remodeling, including:

• Construction of 16 new raceway ponds and 8 brood fish ponds
• Installation of a modern spawning house
• Erection of a new metal hatchery building
• Improvement of feed preparation and storage facilities

These upgrades allowed the hatchery to increase its annual production to approximately 100,000 pounds of trout and salmon, including 500,000 catchable-size rainbow trout and 3-4 million fingerling trout.

Scientific Advancements

Throughout its history, Sisson Hatchery has been at the forefront of fish breeding science:

• In 1938, the hatchery initiated selective breeding programs, focusing primarily on rainbow trout but with applications to salmon conservation.
• The hatchery developed both spring- and fall-spawning strains of rainbow trout, the latter being the result of a long-term breeding program that began in 1883 with eggs from the McCloud River.
• Ongoing research into optimal release timing and strategies to align with natural migration patterns has been a hallmark of the hatchery’s scientific contributions.

Transportation and Distribution Innovations

The hatchery’s history reflects the evolution of fish transportation methods in California:

• Early distribution relied on railroad baggage cars with manual aeration.
• Specialized fish cars were used from 1907 to 1937.
• Automobiles and trucks began to be used for distribution as early as 1917.
• Mules and horses were used for packing fish to remote areas until 1946.
• Aerial stocking of high mountain lakes began in 1946, marking a new era in fish distribution.

Cultural and Economic Impact

Beyond its conservation efforts, Sisson Hatchery has had a significant impact on the region:

• It has been a key contributor to the development of sport fishing throughout California.
• The hatchery became a tourist attraction, with the nearby Sisson Tavern serving as a resort for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts.
• Its work in stocking previously barren lakes and streams has established thriving populations of various trout species throughout the state, enhancing recreational opportunities and local economies.

The Sisson Fish Hatchery, now known as Mount Shasta Hatchery, stands as a monument to over a century of dedication to fish conservation and propagation in California. From its modest beginnings in 1888 to its current status as a state-of-the-art facility, the hatchery has continuously adapted to meet the changing needs of California’s aquatic ecosystems and fishing communities.

History reflects not only the evolution of fish culture techniques but also the growing understanding of the importance of conservation and sustainable management of natural resources. As California continues to face new environmental challenges, the legacy of innovation.