Established in 1965, the Elmendorf State Hatchery is a rearing facility in Anchorage, Alaska. It started out as a small project, with only three small circular ponds to start breeding fishes, but in time, it grew. Its current building was completed in 1976 and is equipped with 21 raceways, also known as rearing ponds, made out of either concrete or aluminum.

The Elmendorf State Hatchery couldn?t have prospered without the help of the Elmendorf Air Force Base who allowed the hatchery to use the excess heated water of the base power plant to start rearing. This combined with the surface water from the Ship Creek proved to be quite an efficient mix to really breed.
If you want to see king salmons, you can visit the Elmendorf State Hatchery from May to July. If you want to see Coho, drop by around August to September. The site is open year round, so you can be sure to find something there on your visit.