Over the past two decades since the listing of Snake River Sockeye Salmon as endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act in 1991, numerous conservation efforts have been made, including a hatchery-based gene rescue program. This article reviews the development and implementation of the program, the current release strategies, associated adult returns, and a new initiative aimed at expanding production to better address recolonization and local adaptation objectives. Additionally, it outlines achievable population triggers for transitioning from hatchery-based to habitat-based recovery efforts to facilitate natural population recovery.