Friends of the Leadville National Fish Hatchery

a non-profit volunteer group supporting our local fish hatchery

About the Friends Group

Our mission is to support the Leadville National Fish Hatchery and its historical significance, promote conservation ethics through education, improve outdoor recreational opportunities, and enhance the facilities for community events.

See our 2025 Newsletter

Leadville National Fish Hatchery 1900

Leadville National Fish Hatchery 2021

Hatchery Grounds & Trail Map

Trail System around the Hatchery

Waters stocked by the Leadville National Fish Hatchery

Get out there and go fishing!

Clear Creek Reservoir
Crystal Lakes
Emerald Lake
Hayden Meadows Reservoir

Mount Elbert Forebay
Turquoise Lake
Twin Lakes (both)

Projects

Children's Fishing Pond & Pollinator Garden

The Friends Group is currently working on obtaining water rights and the appropriate approvals to build a children's fishing pond and pollinator garden.

We're hoping this pond and garden will be located across the street from the hatchery, behind the existing raceways. We plan on adding parking and a sitting area as well.

Please consider a donation to help us continue to improve our beautiful fish hatchery!

Previous Projects

New Basketball & Volleyball Courts

This was a project that retired Hatchery Manager (12/31/2020) Ed Stege was hoping for, so the Friends Group was happy to re-build the basketball & volleyball courts in his honor. The equipment has been purchased & installed!!

Window Restoration

The Friends Group has completed the window restoration project to replace the replacement glass block windows in the Hatchery building with modern double pane glass windows that will mimic the look of the original 1890 windows. They are beautiful!