Whatcom Falls Trout Hatchery

I’d never been to a hatchery before. We were on our way to see the falls in Whatcom Park when we saw a bunch of people gathered by this netted off area. We wondered what it was and decided to check it out after our hike.
As it turns out, they were looking at hundreds upon hundreds of baby trout swimming in circles.
We didn’t see them at first, since it was approaching dusk, but once we stood at the right angle it was rather surreal seeing all the little fish suddenly come into view.
There were several tanks, about a dozen, with water jetting in to make it like a stream whilst the fish school in a never-​ending merry-​go-​round of sorts. It’s when you get the prize-​sized rainbow trout that they don’t bother with sticking a pack. They sit idle in the tank, mostly, sort of like koi fish.
The tanks are right there in the park without a big fence or anything around. Signs explaining the ecosystem and how the hatchery works are along the tanks. There are cabins around them and cameras, so it’s not entirely on the honor system when it comes to expecting the public to behave itself. Signs over the tanks read «Rocks kill fish,» meaning kids (and everyone else) shouldn’t pick up the nearby gravel and drop it in.
Since it’s early April they’re at this stage where they’re getting ready for the fish to be introduced into the ecosystem for fishing. The Monterrey Bay Aquarium’s guide to seafood includes U.S.-farmed rainbow trout among their best choices due to its being well-​managed and maintained in environmentally responsible ways.
If you’re in the area to see the falls, it’s well-​worth taking a stroll through the hatchery.