Crystal Lake Hatchery is operated by SSRAA under contract to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G), Sport Fish Division, with state funding supporting production programs targeted primarily for sport harvest. Originally constructed by the State of Alaska in 1971–1972, the hatchery is located 17.5 miles south of Petersburg off Mitkof Highway near the Crystal Lake hydroelectric plant, which supplies water to the facility after power generation. SSRAA first became associated with the site in 1986 through a cooperative rearing and release program at Earl West Cove near Wrangell, and in 2000 assumed staffing and operational responsibility while the State retained ownership. Today, the hatchery serves as a central Chinook and coho egg-take and incubation facility, while also supporting on-site releases. Crystal Lake Hatchery does not operate under a Hatchery Permit, as permits are not required for State-owned facilities; instead, releases are authorized through the Statewide Stocking Plan.
Current production:
- 700,000 Andrew Creek stock chinook for release at Crystal Lake Hatchery
- 150,000 Chinook for release at Port Saint Nicholas
- 130,000 Coho for release at Crystal Lake Hatchery
Returning adults are harvested in common property fisheries by all user groups and provide broodstock for Crystal Lake.