Roaring Judy Fish Hatchery
The grounds of this fish hatchery are essentially a large riverside park full of mature cottonwood trees, riparian brush and water. It can be a terrific area to wander around in during spring and fall migration and also in the summer, when birds like Wilson’s Snipe, Yellow Warbler, Red-naped Sapsucker, Fox Sparrow, and Willow Flycatcher can be found breeding. This would be a great place to find a rare warbler in migration. At 840 acres, the area gives you plenty of places to look! At some times, fish hatchery personnel may be able to arrange a guided tour of the facility, which releases two million Kokanee salmon each year.
Restrictions: Taking of Kokanee is prohibited. The East River is closed to fishing below the hatchery outlet downstream to the property line from August 1‚àí October 31, to protect the Kokanee spawning run
County: Gunnison
Attractions: A self guided tour teaches about the fish raised here. Small picnic area and hiking trails. Call for guided tours.
Directions: From Gunnison, head north on CO 135. Just past mile post 14, turn left (west) off the highway, cross the bridge, and park in the public parking area. Walk the road to ponds and/or trails by the river.
Alternate Directions: From Gunnison, go north on CO 135 for 14 miles, the entrance, on the left.
Habitat: Stream, Pond/Lake/Reservoir, Lowland Riparian
Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: Daylight hours
Ownership: Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Admission or Fees: Free
Parking: Gravel parking lots
Lodging: Hotels in Gunnison
Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Viewing from car and some gravel trails
Delorme: 58 C3
ROC: 101 D2
Latitude: 38.70255
Longitude: -106.85172