The History of Darrah Springs Hatchery

Darrah Springs Hatchery is named for an early settler of the area, Simon H. Darrah. The current site drew interest to the state of California in 1941 for a trout hatchery due to its consistent artesian springs. Unfortunately war was on the horizon for the U.S and experimental work on the hatchery could not be carried out until 1949. At this time troughs and ponds were installed and studies determined that the water was of sufficient quality to begin construction of the hatchery. From 1954 through 1956, at the cost of nearly $80,000, 60 ponds, 32 nursery tanks, and a 120 trough hatchery building were built. Also built were storage, feed and other necessary buildings.

man with white beard
Simon H. Darrah
rows small in-ground ponds
Ponds as they were in 1964
old style brood pond with dirt sides and bottom
Old-style ponds with dirt sides and bottom
large building and truck in grassy field
Feed storage and preparation room at Darrah Springs Hatchery - 1956
machine angled from pond to truck
Fish loader in 1956
machine angled from pond to truck
Modern fish loader
close-up auger style tube moving fish
Close-up of auger moving fish within modern loader

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