Yellowstone Lake History
The Lake Fish Hatchery history is significant in YNP’s fishery program. At the heart is Yellowstone Lake, 7,733 feet above sea level, harboring six fish species: cutthroat trout, longnose dace, redside shiners, lake chub, long nose suckers, and lake trout.
- 1889
US Fish Commission fieldwork in Yellowstone yields 818 million trout eggs. - 1911
Yellowstone Park Lake Station made a substation of the Federal hatchery at Bozeman, Montana. - 1922
Operations increase with new Fish Lake hatchery. - 1958
The artificial propagation of fish at Lake halted and the catch limited. - 1996
National Park Service assumes responsibility for Park fishery program.
1872
Congress establishes Yellowstone National Park, mandating policy changes concerning hunting and fishing. About 40% of YNP waters are barren of fish and administrators are interested in developing these areas.
1889
United States Fish Commission begins fieldwork in Yellowstone yielding 818 million trout eggs for use in other waters.
1911
Yellowstone Park Lake Station made a substation of the Federal hatchery at Bozeman, Montana.
1912
A two-story log hatchery building and another log building are built on hatchery Creek near Lake Hotel.
1917
Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife is authorized to advise states regarding fishery legislation.
1920
The Director of National Parks indicates the Lake Hatchery is replenishing the fish supply.
1922
Operations increase with a new hatchery at Fish Lake. Tension grows between Fish and Wildlife Service and Park managers concerning preservation of native fish and mass production of trout.
Late 1920s to 1930s
Nine buildings built in the 1930s for the Fish and Wildlife Service comprise Lake Fish Hatchery Historic District.
Buildings mostly follow the Rustic Architecture of the National Park Service and its policy of nonobtrusive design, built of wood and log framing, cedar shingle roofs, and painted brown with a dark green trim.
1957
Hatcheries shut down. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service personnel shift attention to research.
1958
The artificial propagation of fish at Lake halted and the catch limited to within the natural regenerative powers of the species.
1996
National Park Service assumes responsibility for Park fishery program.
