Discover Hotchkiss: Fishing, Art and History

When planning a trip to Hotchkiss, specific interests can make the difference: trout fishing, local history, art and seasonal experiences. The timing also varies depending on the activity.

Fishing and a look inside the fish hatchery

Near Hotchkiss is the Hotchkiss National Fish Hatchery. The facility includes a small visitor center with a tank room, 32 above-ground concrete raceways, 24 rearing tanks and six earthen ponds. Self-guided tours are available.

Trout fishing is permitted in the North Fork of the Gunnison River at the Hotchkiss National Fish Hatchery. If you access the river through the fish hatchery grounds, access is permitted only west and downstream of the raceways. The fishing areas are open year-round from sunrise to sunset. This makes it possible to plan your fishing around clearly defined hours and a specific access rule.

The North Fork Pool offers open swim and family swim. Seasonal schedules may change, so check the current schedule before making plans.

Local history in Hotchkiss

The Hotchkiss-Crawford Historical Society Museum in downtown Hotchkiss displays photographs and objects associated with the early settlers of these communities. The museum also has an extensive collection of Native American artifacts. The collection thus brings together different aspects of history.

The Hotchkiss Hotel was the first major commercial building constructed in Hotchkiss. It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1984. Its status as the first major commercial building and its listing on the register provide two specific historical points of reference.

Art, market and seasonal offerings

The Creamery Arts Center is located in a building that originally opened as a cooperative creamery in 1939. The center offers art classes for all ages and skill levels. Classes include painting, ceramics, fiber arts and mixed media. You can also plan your trip around an art theme, whether you’re interested in individual disciplines or want to compare the range of classes.

During the summer months, the Creamery Arts Center hosts a farmers market at Creamery Park on Saturdays. The timing differs from that of an art class: the market takes place on Saturdays in summer.

Big B's Delicious Orchards in Hotchkiss offers seasonal organic u-pick and has a cider tasting room. Since u-pick is seasonal and visitor offerings may change, check the availability of both offerings for your dates in advance.

An annual event on the calendar

The Hotchkiss Sheep Camp Stock Dog Trials take place every year on Mother's Day weekend. At the trials, handler-and-dog teams demonstrate their skills: the dogs gather and herd sheep. The event offers a different reason to travel than a class, a market visit or seasonal u-pick. If the trials determine your travel dates, check the specific event days before making plans.

Discover more destinations: Cedaredge, Delta, Paonia

Return to the main travel overview: Delta.