The Kalispel Tribal Fish Hatchery (KTFH) has been converted from a warmwater Largemouth Bass (LMB) hatchery to cold water facility through several modifications and upgrades funded by BPA and BIA. The initial target species to be reared to catchable size is triploid Rainbow Trout (TRBT).

Continued stocking of the Pend Oreille River with LMB is no longer feasible, or desirable for a variety of reasons. First, invasive Northern Pike have become firmly established and caused drastic changes in the fish community and reduced overall LMB population size. Second, Smallmouth Bass have increased in the reservoir and are known to out compete LMB in sympatry. Lastly, habitat improvement and non-native fish suppression and eradication projects being implemented in tributaries to the reservoir are coming to fruition through FERC license implementation and BPA-USACE--Kalispel MOA. It is now feasible to restore self-sustaining, genetically pure populations of Westslope Cutthroat Trout (WCT) to recovered reaches.

We completed a Coldwater Conversion Hatchery Feasibility Study in 2014 in which a consultant team determined that a conversion of the existing facility is feasible and no fatal flaws were identified. The biological criteria used to determine feasibility were based on 3-year piscicide application schedule and restocking salvaged WCT and two cohorts of their offspring, while annually stocking 1,600 catchable TRBT into Indian Creek Pond raised from eyed eggs and fingerlings. Development of the new programs would entail partial reuse and redundancy of groundwater, redesign of surface water pumping plant, replacement of rearing vessels and plumbing, biosecurity measures, and introduction of naturalized rearing elements. Much of the infrastructure could be used and minimal expansion of the footprint would be required. Permitting, design, environmental compliance and Master Planning for the project began 2016 followed by construction during 2017.

During 2018, 5,000 eyed egg TRBT were obtained from WDFW and reared throughout the year. Catchables up to 26 inches that were being previously reared were released into Indian Creek Pond as an initial stocking event. During that contract period, stockings of catchable (10"-16") occured throughout 2019 as they became available. The final phase of construction at Indian Creek Pond completed to date includes: fencing, placement of interpretive signage, installation of pre-cast concrete toilet, picnic table completion, and final site grading/seeding.

Phase III construction planning began in mid 2019, to include addition of three additional rearing vessels in the upper hatchery building, remote (cellular technology) control of surface water pumping station, and replacement/resizing of the backup generator and controls. Construction was completed in 2022, with cost-share funding provided by the BIA. Normal operations continued through the construction period.

Phase II construction was completed in November 2020, after delay related to COVID-19 closures of non-essential construction and suppliers of materials. The Hatchery was able to meet increased demand for trout at Indian Creek Pond throughout the year even with extended layoff of Tribal members and employees and food insecurity concerns. The hatchery continued to operate as normal during the pandemic and construction periods.

The hatchery continued to operate as normal during 2023 with limited site visits and tours being offered. Eight organized kids fishing events were held at Indian Creek fishing pond. During 2024, an introduction to ice fishing has been planned, as well as expanded introduction to fly fishing.

Ice conditions during winter 2024 were not conducive to ice fishing, but long-term forecasts for the region appear favorable for good ice in 2025 for an introduction to ice fishing outreach event to Camas Learning Center. Twelve organized fishing events were held during 2024, harvesting a majority of stocked catchables (N>1,500) and 200 Jumbo TRBT between March-December, 2024. The Tribe proposes to pursue ISRP, NPCC, and BPA approval for use of portions of the hatchery as a conservation facility for Westslope Cutthroat Trout (primary objective), Bull Trout, and Mountain Whitefish (secondary objectives) during the 2025-2027 performance period. The intended use of the KTFH for conservation is proposed to be a satellite facility of the Native Conservation Salmonid Facility owned and operated by Seattle City Light in Usk, WA. A satellite facility would provide flexibility in implementing multiple stream restoration projects concurrently, beyond the scope of SCL's FERC responsibility, and throughout the lower Pend Oreille watershed.