COLUMBUS, Ohio – This spring, Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife is hosting public open houses at state fish hatcheries where visitors can learn about fish production. Hatchery open houses are free of charge and provide a great opportunity for visitors to see fish up close before they are stocked into one of Ohio’s many public lakes and rivers.
Visit a state fish hatchery this spring to learn about fish production.
The Division of Wildlife operates six state fish hatcheries, which raised and stocked 46 million fish in 2024. 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). These hatcheries enhance many of the fishing opportunities that anglers enjoy.
Hatchery open houses are scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at each location:
- Saturday, March 29:
- St. Marys State Fish Hatchery, 1735 Feeder Rd, St. Marys, 45885
- St. Marys State Fish Hatchery, 1735 Feeder Rd, St. Marys, 45885
- Saturday, April 5:
- Hebron State Fish Hatchery, 10517 Canal Rd SE, Hebron, 43025
- Senecaville State Fish Hatchery, 57199 Senecaville Dam Rd, Senecaville, 43780
- Saturday, April 12:
- Castalia State Fish Hatchery, 7018 Homegardner Rd, Castalia, 44824
- Kincaid State Fish Hatchery, 7487 St. Rt. 124, Latham, 45646
- Saturday, May 3:
- London State Fish Hatchery, 2470 Roberts Mill Rd, London, 43140
During each open house, Division of Wildlife staff will give tours and answer questions about fish production and fisheries management. Guests will have the opportunity to learn about these hatcheries, view fish eggs and fry in production buildings, and watch older fish in ponds or raceways. Family-friendly activities and displays including an archery trailer and BB gun range will be available at some locations. Discover what the hatchery nearest you will offer.
Most of Ohio’s fish populations are sustained through natural reproduction; however, stocking expands and diversifies fishing opportunities in waters where existing habitats do not support some fish populations. Stocking is only one of many fish management tools used by the Division of Wildlife to improve angling. Learn more about Ohio’s state fish hatcheries and fish stocking locations at wildohio.gov.
A small fish you see in a hatchery this spring could grow into a Fish Ohio trophy someday. Sport fish such as a largemouth bass longer than 20 inches, a saugeye longer than 21 inches, a crappie longer than 13 inches, or a sunfish longer than 9 inches qualify for Fish Ohio status. Among the 10,284 Fish Ohio submissions in 2024 were 1,598 largemouth bass, 563 saugeye, 595 crappie, and 361 sunfish.
A visit to a state fish hatchery might inspire your next fishing trip. Go to wildohio.gov to discover fishing locations near you and information to help you plan a productive outing. Don’t forget to check the 2025-26 Ohio Fishing Regulations booklet before you go!
State fish hatchery funding is provided by the sale of Ohio fishing licenses and the Sport Fish Restoration Act. Enacted in 1950, the Sport Fish Restoration program provides funding for sport fish conservation through federal excise taxes on sport fishing equipment, import duties on fishing tackle and pleasure boats, and a portion of the gasoline fuel tax attributable to small engines and motorboats. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service annually apportions these funds that the Division of Wildlife uses to produce and stock fish, acquire habitat, conduct research and assessment surveys, provide aquatic education, and secure fishing access.
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.
ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.
Editor's Note: High Resolution Photo
