With more trout streams than one can fathom, and just as many anglers, it’s up to the Colorado Division of Wildlife to ensure Southwest Colorado’s trout populations are healthy. The Durango Fish Hatchery is the oldest state-owned hatchery in Colorado, raising rainbow, brown and cutthroats. Durango’s hatchery is open year round, offering hand-on displays, a museum and the ever-popular feeding and fishing opportunities. The hatchery stocks approximately 150,000 catchable rainbows and 1.3 million smaller fry each year in SW Colorado. Here’s a look:
 

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  The Martinez Family enjoys a favorite pastime: feeding the fish.

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  Fingerling trout cruise within the confines of their holding tank.

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  Taking full advantage of summer vacation, Eric Farrar baits up near the realease pond.

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  Kyle Roberts angles for catchables in the fishery’s release pond.

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  Feeding frenzy in a holding tank.