Fish and Game

In order to provide fishing opportunities for 38 million people, the California Department of Fish and Game grows trout and salmon in 21 hatcheries throughout the state and then stocks them in lakes and rivers to supplement the natural populations.  Much of this is done by truck, however in roadless areas airplanes are used. 

Moccasin hatchery

The closest trout hatchery to Merced County is located at Moccasin, along the northern route to Yosemite.  For a map showing all of the DFG hatcheries in California, go to http://www.dfg.ca.gov/fish/Hatcheries/Moccasin/

Hours of operation

From 7:30AM to 3:30PM daily, visitors can observe and feed the rainbow trout at the Moccasin hatchery.  The fish live and grow in long rectangular pools, protected from predators by a tall chain-link fence and overhead wires. 

The largest fish – some of them very large – are located in a pool near the front of the hatchery.  A sign indicates “show fish.”

Bring quarters to feed the fish

Fish food is sold from a dispenser in the parking area.  Bring quarters - $5 provided nearly an hour of fun the last time I visited.  If you bring several children, more quarters may be necessary. 

Tossing the food into the water creates a feeding frenzy.  It is thrilling to watch swarms of beautiful fish jumping out of the water and moving great distances in the blink of an eye. 

It’s great fun for all ages, especially for kids.  The fish are conditioned to expect food from large vertical objects and a feeding frenzy may start when your shadow crosses the water, even if you don’t throw any food in. 

 In the winter months the surrounding mountains block the sun by 2PM.  If you want to enjoy its warmth, arrive by noon. 

Planning your visit

During the summer heat an early visit is recommended.  Trying to catch jumping fish with your camera can be a lot of fun if you are a photographer.  A polarizing filter is helpful to cut through the glare on the water.

 The hatchery is located near the junction of Highways 120 and 49.  If you come from the south via Highway 49, watch for a sign indicating a right hand turn for the hatchery just before you reach the Highway 120 junction.  If you come from the west on 120, turn right on 49 and look for a signed left hand turn.

About 70 minutes from Merced, the hatchery is close to the historic towns of Coulterville, Chinese Camp, Big Oak Flat, and Groveland.  It is also relatively close to Sonora, Jamestown, Columbia State Historic Park, and Railtown 1897 State Historic Park. 

The BLM’s Red Hills Area is a great spot for a picnic or a hike in the fall, winter, or spring. 

Red Hills is known for having an excellent wildflower display in March and April.  If you are headed to or from Yosemite on Highway 120, the hatchery makes a convenient stop.

Hetch Hetchy

The buildings surrounding the hatchery pools are where fish are bred and hatched.  The larger buildings and the pond beyond the hatchery complex are part of the Hetch Hetchy power generation system. 

Water is diverted from the Tuolumne River through the large pipes that descend the mountains to the east of the hatchery (penstocks). 

The great force of the descending water is turned into electrical power.  In addition to providing electrical power, the Hetch Hetchy system supplies San Francisco with drinking water. 

The diversion begins at the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir inside Yosemite National Park.

Signs are posted warning hatchery visitors to stay off the concrete edges of the pools.  Don’t feed the fish anything other than the food sold at the hatchery and don’t try to touch the fish.

To plan a school or group visit, contact the hatchery at http://www.dfg.ca.gov/fish/Hatcheries/Moccasin/