When is the BEST time to visit the hatchery?

From early July through September, the salmon ladder is running and adult salmon are returning. This is a spectacle you do not want to miss! In our opinion July 4th through August 10th is the absolute best time of year to visit.

Will I be able to see Salmon?

From July through early October there will be adult salmon returning to the facility.

From April through June of the next few years, beginning in 2026, the visitor friendly rearing facility for juvenile salmon will be closed due to a planned penstock replacement of the water supply for the hatchery. We will have limited water availability during this period and will be unable to have salmon available for viewing in that area. The Macaulay Salmon Hatchery water supply is pass through water from the Salmon Creek Hydro project managed by Alaska Electric Light & Power Company (AEL&P). They are replacing an original section of the penstock which was installed in 1914! AEL&P has worked closely with DIPAC through every phase of this project. More details on the Salmon Creek Reservoir can be found HERE.

To accommodate this lack of salmon viewing experience in the early summer months, we have added a new smolt tank in the Visitor Center! This way you can see juvenile salmon before the adults begin to return.

Can I fish at the hatchery?

There is a public Sport Fishing dock near the hatchery which is managed by the City and Borough of Juneau. Please contact ADF&G Sportfish division to understand any potential sport fishing area closures & to purchase a fishing license. ADF&G Sportfish Division contact information can be found here.