San Joaquin Hatchery

A major producer of trout and inland salmon, San Joaquin Hatchery is also a great place to visit. Along the San Joaquin River, just downstream of the Friant dam, San Joaquin Hatchery has picnic grounds among the garden of California native vegetation. Take a photo with the enormous wood-carved rainbow trout!

Friant Interactive Nature Site

San Joaquin Hatchery is part of Friant Interactive Nature Site (FINS). After visiting the hatchery stay and explore the rest of the site, which includes: The San Joaquin River Parkway Trail, The Small Fry Children's Discovery Trail, picnic areas and outdoor classroom; view the California native vegetation gardens, behold San Joaquin River watershed tile mosaic and be on the lookout for wildlife flying overhead while on site. At FINS not only can you see salmonid life stages up close and feed the growing fish, you can enjoy nature by taking a stroll or picnicking along the trials. Kids can learn through play experiencing the life of a trout in themed play areas imaging they are a fish finding prey and hiding from predators in natural habitats. The 59 acres of state property is about a 15-minute drive from Fresno.

Wear comfortable shoes to explore in, pack a lunch, snacks and plenty of water. Have your phone handy, and any nature journal you may have.