Flooding Damages Arizona Fish Hatcheries, Closes Three

On November 4, Arizona hatchery officials were assessing damage from weekend flooding that affected all six state fish hatcheries. Tonto Creek Hatchery northeast of Payson was hit hardest after rainfall in the vicinity exceeded two inches. Floodwater entered the facility’s feed room and washed out nearby roads, including routes staff use to reach and leave the site. The hatchery is closed to the public.

Canyon Creek Hatchery and Silver Creek Hatchery are also closed. Floodwaters had not receded at Canyon Creek, while water overtopped the banks at Silver Creek and public access to the area was shut. At Bubbling Ponds Hatchery, water from Oak Creek inundated the bass house. Sterling Springs Hatchery lost power, which remained out during the assessment.

Workers were at the facilities when the flooding arrived, but no one was injured. Hatchery program administrator Wayne Jones said fish were safe, and the raceways holding thousands of fish remained intact. Officials said there had been no effect on fish stocking. Each year, state hatcheries raise about 400,000 pounds of fish for stocking at 118 locations. Staff are monitoring water levels and coordinating responses, while officials consider adding flood prevention to planned hatchery renovations.