09/22/2026
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is hosting the 27th annual Salmon River Fish Hatchery Open House on Saturday, September 26, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Salmon River Fish Hatchery is located at 2133 County Route 22, Altmar, Oswego County.
DEC Region 7 Director Dereth Glance said, “All are welcome at the 27th annual Salmon River Fish Hatchery Open House, celebrating the salmon run and offering a rare behind-the-scenes view of how DEC supports world-class trout and salmon fishing in New York State.”
The free, rain-or-shine event celebrates National Hunting and Fishing Day, which was designated by Congress in 1972 to encourage people to experience, understand, and appreciate our abundant natural resources and traditional outdoor sports and recreation. This day recognizes hunters and anglers for their leadership in fish and wildlife conservation.
DEC will lead tours of the facility and provide behind-the-scenes access to the hatchery's operations. Guests can observe migrating salmon by visiting the outside fish observation decks, which are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. For awareness, the tour includes one flight of concrete stairs.
DEC also encourages visitors to view New York fish in the hatchery's indoor aquaria to learn about other fish species. Outside on the grounds, visitors can learn how to cast a fishing rod. Attendees can practice tying flies for fishing and participate in air archery inside the auditorium.
In addition to ongoing activities, multiple conservation organizations, outdoor recreation groups, and fishing and hunting clubs will have displays and lead activities to share information about their involvement in the Salmon River corridor and the Lake Ontario ecosystem.
The Salmon River supports a world-class fishery for migrating Lake Ontario trout and salmon. The area offers hiking trails, including a short quarter-mile accessible crushed stone trail leading to two observation areas with views of a 110-foot waterfall and spectacular scenery.
For questions about the open house, please contact Betsy Ukeritis, DEC Environmental Educator, at (315) 314-0768. On typical days, the hatchery is open to the public for daily self-guided tours from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., April through November.
