COLUMBUS, Ohio – Four state fish hatcheries are hosting open houses this spring to provide Ohioans the opportunity to learn more about their operations, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. Hatchery open houses are free of charge.
Hatchery open houses are scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at these locations:
March 26: Saint Marys State Fish Hatchery, 01735 Feeder Road, St. Marys 45885
April 2: Hebron State Fish Hatchery, 10517 Canal Road, Hebron 43025
April 9: Castalia State Fish Hatchery, 7018 Homegardner Road, Castalia 44824
May 7: London State Fish Hatchery, 2470 Roberts Mill Road, London 43140
During each open house, Division of Wildlife staff will be available to give tours and answer questions about fish production and fisheries management. Guests will have the opportunity to learn about these hatcheries and may watch fish eggs and fry in production buildings as they hatch, and view older fish in ponds or raceways. In addition, family-friendly activities and displays will be available.
The Division of Wildlife manages six state fish hatcheries which raise and stock more than 40 million fish each year. Sport fish species raised for stocking in public waters include cold-water fish (rainbow trout, steelhead, and brown trout), cool-water fish (saugeye, walleye, yellow perch, and muskellunge), and warm-water fish (hybrid-striped bass, channel catfish, blue catfish, and bluegill).
Stocking expands fishing opportunities statewide by bolstering fish populations where natural reproduction is insufficient or not possible for a particular species. Stocking is only one of many fish management tools used by the Division of Wildlife to enhance angling. Learn more about Ohio’s state fish hatcheries and fish stocking locations at wildohio.gov.
Want to stay up to date on all fishing opportunities and updates? Follow the Division of Wildlife on Facebook and Twitter for instant news stories, outdoor recreation ideas, local wildlife information, and much more. The Your Wild Ohio Angler page provides fishing tips and useful information as you plan to get outside this season.
The mission of the Division of Wildlife is to conserve and improve fish and wildlife resources and their habitats for sustainable use and appreciation by all. Visit wildohio.gov to find out more.
