Big improvements at Wigwam Rearing Station

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department recently completed the second phase of a major renovation at the Wigwam Rearing Station, upgrading its trout-rearing tanks to Octaform’s advanced tank system. Producing approximately 50,000-60,000 pounds of trout annually, Wigwam is the third-largest hatchery in the state and plays a critical role in sustaining fish populations for recreational fishing across Wyoming. After encountering significant issues with fiberglass tanks installed during an earlier renovation, the Department turned to Octaform for a more durable, long-term solution.

The project at Wigwam marks the latest in a series of successful collaborations between the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and Octaform. Since 2010, Wyoming has used Octaform’s tank technology for multiple hatchery upgrades, including the Ten Sleep and Dan Speas hatcheries. At Wigwam, the first phase of the tank replacement was completed in 2020, with six tanks installed to address critical infrastructure concerns related to groundwater damage that had compromised the previous fiberglass tanks. The second phase began in the fall of 2023 and involved the installation of an additional eight tanks.

 

Travis Trimble, Fish Culture Supervisor at Wyoming Game and Fish shared his insights on the benefits of switching to Octaform tanks. “We started replacing the fiberglass tanks in 2020 because they were prone to groundwater damage, and we needed a more robust solution. Octaform’s PVC system is not only bio-secure and easy to clean, but it also ensures that our plumbing and infrastructure are protected. Our team spends a fraction of the time cleaning the Octaform tanks compared to fiberglass ones.”

The PVC liner, embedded in the Octaform tank walls, has also contributed to improved fish health and water quality. “We’ve noticed that fish performance has improved, likely due to the smooth surface of the tanks, which prevents fin damage and reduces algae buildup. The water quality has been consistently better, with far less algae and biofilm growth,” said Trimble.

In addition to improving fish welfare, the project was completed ahead of schedule, with the construction beginning in mid-September and finishing by the end of November 2023. “The project went smoothly overall, even with a new contractor being awarded for the second phase. Octaform’s project execution team worked closely with them to ensure a minimal learning curve and make sure everything was ordered and delivered on time,” Trimble added.

Wyoming’s harsh winter climate, where frost can reach up to 4-5 feet, also played a role in the decision to choose Octaform, known for its durability and resistance to extreme weather. Trimble noted, “Traditional materials like fiberglass tend to get scratched and damaged over time, especially in cold climates, but Octaform tanks stay clean and perform well year after year.”

Having successfully completed several hatchery projects with Octaform technology, Wyoming Game and Fish is already looking ahead to future opportunities. Trimble confirmed that they are considering Octaform for an upcoming project featuring rectangular raceways, a configuration that the Octaform team is well-equipped to handle.

“Overall, we’re extremely satisfied with how the Octaform tanks have performed at Wigwam and other hatcheries across the state. We expect these tanks to last a lifetime, and we would certainly recommend this technology to other hatchery operators,” Trimble concluded.

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WYOMING GAME & FISH 

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department manages an extensive network of fish hatcheries dedicated to supporting the state’s vibrant recreational fishing industry and maintaining healthy fish populations. Through their Fish Hatcheries Program, Wyoming Game and Fish oversees several facilities that rear various fish species for stocking in lakes, rivers, and reservoirs across Wyoming.

One of these facilities is the Wigwam Fish Rearing Station, Wyoming’s third-largest hatchery. Producing between 50,000-60,000 pounds of trout annually, Wigwam plays a critical role in enhancing fishing opportunities statewide. Recently, the hatchery completed a significant renovation, replacing aging fiberglass tanks with durable Octaform tanks to improve fish health, water quality, and operational efficiency.

Another key facility, the Ten Sleep Fish Hatchery, specializes in raising Yellowstone cutthroat trout, brook trout, and other species. Like Wigwam, Ten Sleep has benefited from the durable, bio-secure infrastructure that Octaform technology provides, ensuring long-lasting performance in Wyoming’s challenging climate.

With these advancements, Wyoming Game and Fish is committed to supporting sustainable fish management and enhancing outdoor recreation for generations to come.

OCTAFORM SYSTEMS INC.

 

Octaform offers a proven stay-in-place formwork system with an integrated, maintenance-free PVC liner. Designed for simplicity and cost-effectiveness, Octaform provides durable forming and protection for a wide range of containment tank applications, including water, wastewater, biogas, and aquaculture. The PVC liner ensures a corrosion-resistant finish, extending the performance and service life of tanks in even the most demanding environments. Trusted by industry leaders, Octaform is proud to service some of the largest land-based aquaculture projects in the world, delivering solutions that combine efficiency and long-term reliability.