Gaden Trout Hatchery

The NSW Government’s Gaden Trout Hatchery, on the Thredbo River, 10 km north-west of Jindabyne, is one of Australia’s main centres for breeding and rearing cold water sport fish. Four species, rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout, and Atlantic salmon are produced by NSW Department of Primary Industries and stocked into the dams and river systems of our trout fisheries in the snowy mountains, southern highlands, the central tablelands and New England areas. Currently operations are being funded by the Recreational Fishing Trusts. This has enabled the department’s fish stocking program to continue to provide many benefits and is recognised for its importance to the community in terms of quality recreational fishing, stock for the aquaculture industry, conservation activities, visitor education, employment opportunities and subsequent economic benefits in regional areas that have grown in response to the activity over many years.   More about the hatchery

Visiting the hatchery

Visitors can view and sometimes partake in feeding of the big fish that come to the surface in some of the hatchery’s brood stock ponds, watch a 10 minute introduction video that outlines the hatchery’s purpose and operations, and go for a walk around the grounds with one of the experienced hatchery staff.

Guided tours of the hatchery are conducted at 10am and 2pm daily.

Gaden Hatchery has over one hectare of parkland on the banks of the Thredbo River. Coin operated barbeques and picnic shelters are available. Fishing is not permitted at the hatchery.

Individuals, school and group visitors are all welcome.

We also have traditional wood smoked trout for sale which is grown, smoked and packed by Snowy Mountains Trout in Tumut.

Open times 

Visitors’ Centre Open 10am - 4pm daily. 

Guided tours daily at 10am and 2pm only. 

Self Guided Tours available on selected days only - phone for availability.

Closed ANZAC Day, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. 

Visitors’ Centre opening times and tours are subject to change due to operational requirements.

Entry cost

See fish clinic dates.