The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife's (WDFW) School Cooperative Program (formerly Salmon 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 2023-2024 school year is October 1.
Download the School Cooperative Project application, complete it and return it as indicated.
Information for approved school cooperative projects
Your permits
- Your permit automatically renews each year, as long as plant records are submitted.
- Your permit is sent to the hatchery that you receive your eggs from. Hatchery staff will give you your permit when you receive your eggs
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 egg allocation.
- After fish release you must submit a fish release record 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.
| Hatchery | Species | Hatchery Phone# | Egg Pickup |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bingham Creek | Coho | (360) 426-2369 | Early January |
| Columbia Basin | Rainbow Trout | (509) 765-7714 | Mid January |
| Cowlitz Salmon | Coho | (360) 985-7424 | January |
| Dungeness | Coho | 360-683-4255 | Late December – Early January |
| Eastbank | Chinook | (509) 661-8300 | January - February |
| Eells Springs | Rainbow Trout | (360) 427-2188 | April |
| Fallert Creek | Coho | (360) 673-4400 | Mid-November |
| George Adams | Chum | (360) 427-2161 | Mid December - Mid January |
| Hurd Creek | Coho | (360) 683-1738 | Late January - Early February |
| Issaquah | Coho | (425) 391-9094 | Early January |
| Lake Aberdeen | Coho | (360) 533-1663 | Early April |
| Lake Whatcom | Kokanee | (360) 595-2411 | Early January |
| Lewis River | Coho | (360) 225-7413 | Early January |
| Marblemount | Coho | (360) 873-4241 | Mid-January |
| Mayr Brothers | Coho | (360) 533-5255 | December |
| Minter Creek | Chum | (253) 857-5077 | Early January |
| Naselle | Coho | (360) 484-7716 | Early January |
| Priest Rapids | Chinook | (509)754-5075 | December - January |
| Skookumchuck | Coho | (360) 264-2112 | Late December or Late March |
| Sol Duc | Coho | (360) 327-3246 | December |
| Soos Creek | Coho | (253) 931-3950 | Early January |
| Spokane | Rainbow Trout | (509) 625-5169 | Early December - Mid February |
| Spokane | Kokanee | (509) 625-5169 | January |
| Tucannon | Rainbow Trout | (509) 629-0420 | Early January |
| Voights Creek | Coho | (360) 893-6440 | Mid-Late November |
| Wallace River | Coho | (360) 793-1382 | Early January - February |
| Washougal | Coho | (360) 837-3311 | Mid-January |
| Washougal | Chum | (360) 837-3311 | Late December – Early January |
| Wells | Chinook | (509) 923-2728 | Middle - Late November |