School cooperative program

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife's (WDFW) School Co-operative Program (formerly Salmon/Trout in the Classroom) provides salmonid eggs to schools to be reared in a classroom aquarium in conjunction with science curriculum focused on the salmonid life-cycle.  When fish reach the fry stage, schools release their fish in a local watershed.

Schools must provide all aquarium equipment and educational materials needed.  For approved projects, WDFW provides eggs and a permit authorizing the school to possess, transfer and release their eggs and fish.

How to Apply

Note: The application deadline for the 2024-2025 school year is October 15.

  1.  Review the School Co-operative Program Manual (PDF) to ensure you understand participant responsibilities and equipment/supply needs. 
  2. Download the School Cooperative Project application (PDF), complete it and return it as indicated. 

Information for approved school cooperative projects

Your permits

  • Your permit automatically renews each year if plant records are submitted.
  • Your permit will be emailed to you approximately one month before eggs are typically ready for pickup. 

Reminders

  • Release your fish only in the approved water body indicated on your permit.  Releasing into another water body violates the condition of your permit and may result in termination of your project.
  • After fish release you must submit a  fish release record (PDF) in order to be eligible to receive eggs in the future.

Schedule for egg availability

The following table provides an estimate of when your eggs may be available. Availability time can vary year to year so you are encouraged to contact your hatchery a few weeks prior to the beginning of the time period to confirm and arrange pickup of your eggs.

HatcherySpeciesHatchery Phone# Egg Pickup
Bingham CreekCoho(360) 426-2369Early January
Columbia BasinRainbow Trout(509) 765-7714Mid January
Cowlitz SalmonCoho(360) 985-7424January
DungenessCoho(360) 683-4255Late December – Early January
EastbankChinook(509) 661-8300January - February
Eells SpringsRainbow Trout(360) 427-2188April
Fallert CreekCoho(360) 673-4400Mid-November
George AdamsChum(360) 427-2161Mid December - Mid January
Hurd CreekCoho(360) 683-1738Late January - Early February
IssaquahCoho(425) 391-9094Early January
Lake AberdeenCoho(360) 533-1663Early April
Lake WhatcomKokanee(360) 595-2411Early January
Lewis RiverCoho(360) 225-7413Early January
MarblemountCoho(360) 873-4241Mid-January
Mayr BrothersCoho(360) 533-5255December
Minter CreekChum(253) 857-5077Early January
NaselleCoho(360) 484-7716Early January
Priest RapidsChinook(509)754-5075December - January
SkookumchuckCoho(360) 264-2112Late December or Late March
Sol DucCoho(360) 327-3246December
Soos CreekCoho(253) 931-3950Early January
SpokaneRainbow Trout(509) 625-5169Early December - Mid February
SpokaneKokanee(509) 625-5169January
TucannonRainbow Trout(509) 629-0420Early January
Voights CreekCoho(360) 893-6440Mid-Late November  
Wallace RiverCoho(360) 793-1382Early January - February
WashougalCoho(360) 837-3311Mid-January
WashougalChum(360) 837-3311Late December – Early January
WellsChinook(509) 923-2728Middle - Late November