Two Volunteer Opportunities Available at the Trout Incubator Building
For over a decade, the Kings River Fisheries Management Program has seasonally (January-April) incubated rainbow trout fry for release in the lower Kings River. In 2012, the program was able to move operations from cement boxes along the river’s edge to a small incubator building below Pine Flat Dam. The building is equipped with two 15′ long rearing tables that accommodate two raceways apiece. The program charges the building with 100,000 – 150,000 rainbow trout eggs, up to three times annually when conditions allow. Once the eggs hatch, the trout fry rear for approximately six weeks before release.
This is an excellent opportunity to take part in the trout lifecycle. Scheduling is flexible (especially for students) and the trout incubator sits adjacent to a scenic walking trail and Put & Take fishing access on the Kings River. No experience necessary.
Annually trout are incubated, reared, and typically released in February and April.
For more information on our volunteer opportunities, the trout incubator, to schedule an orientation, or if you are having any trouble signing up, please reach out to Lori Werner, Environmental Resources Analyst on our team. Lori can be reached by phone or email:
Lori Werner
lwerner@krcd.org
559-237-5567 ext. 122
Volunteer for Care of Trout Fry
Volunteers needed weekends and holidays
between March 14 – April 16
We need volunteers for days our staff are unable to tend to the trout incubator building. Most volunteers will spend one hour or less at the incubator at a time of their choosing. These volunteers will be required to go through a brief one-on-one orientation prior to volunteering, dates for volunteer orientations will be coordinated individually, and scheduled on an as needed basis. This orientation provides volunteers new to the program an opportunity to discuss the program with staff and provides an opportunity for staff to be available on hand should any questions arise. Orientations typically occur shortly after the eggs hatch but can occur at any time depending on the needs of the volunteer.
During trout rearing the program relies on volunteers to help:
- clean raceways
- monitor trout eggs and fry
- record water temperatures and flow
- feed trout fry
Generally, only one or two volunteers are required per day.
Volunteer For Release of Trout Fry
Volunteers Needed Thursday, April 16 for the 2026 Planned Fry Release
Once trout fry are ready for release (approximately 1″ – 1.5″ long) we rely on volunteers to help us stock them into the river between the Army Corps of Engineers Bridge and Avocado Lake Park. Volunteers should be able to transport 2-3 five-gallon buckets of trout fry in unheated personal vehicles (trucks preferable) and should be able to carry a 20-pound bucket over uneven terrain.
Generally, up to ten volunteers are required on this day and volunteer orientation is not required.