COLUMBUS, Ohio — This spring, Ohioans have a rare chance to dive into the world of fish production as the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife hosts open houses at its six state fish hatcheries. These free, family-friendly events promise an up-close look at the fascinating process of raising millions of fish that will soon swim in the state’s public waters.
In 2024 alone, Ohio’s hatcheries produced an impressive 46 million fish, bolstering populations of popular sport species across lakes and rivers. From the shimmering scales of rainbow trout to the hefty frames of channel catfish, visitors will encounter a diverse lineup of aquatic life. The hatcheries cultivate cold-water favorites like steelhead and brown trout, cool-water stars such as walleye and yellow perch, and warm-water heavyweights including hybrid striped bass and bluegill.
The open houses kick off on March 29 and run through early May, with each event held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Here’s the lineup:
- March 29: St. Marys State Fish Hatchery (1735 Feeder Rd, St. Marys, OH 45885)
- April 5: Hebron State Fish Hatchery (10517 Canal Rd SE, Hebron, OH 43025) and Senecaville State Fish Hatchery (57199 Senecaville Dam Rd, Senecaville, OH 43780)
- April 12: Castalia State Fish Hatchery (7018 Homegardner Rd, Castalia, OH 44824) and Kincaid State Fish Hatchery (7487 St. Rt. 124, Latham, OH 45646)
- May 3: London State Fish Hatchery (2470 Roberts Mill Rd, London, OH 43140)
At each location, Division of Wildlife experts will guide guests through the hatchery operations, shedding light on everything from fish rearing to fisheries management. Attendees can peek into production buildings to see tiny fish eggs and fry, marvel at mature fish gliding through ponds and raceways, and even try their hand at activities like archery or BB gun ranges at select sites.
While many of Ohio’s fish species thrive through natural reproduction, the hatchery program plays a vital role in boosting populations in areas where habitats fall short. “Stocking opens up new possibilities for anglers,” said a Division of Wildlife spokesperson. “It’s about creating opportunities to catch species that might otherwise be scarce in certain waters.”
For fishing fans, the open houses could spark inspiration for their next big catch. Some hatchery-raised species—like largemouth bass, saugeye, and crappie—have the potential to grow into “Fish Ohio” qualifiers, an honor reserved for anglers who reel in fish meeting standout size benchmarks.
Anglers eager to plan their next trip can explore fishing hotspots and expert tips at wildohio.gov. The site also offers the latest 2025-26 Ohio Fishing Regulations to ensure a smooth and legal outing.
Ohio’s hatchery efforts are fueled by fishing license sales and the Sport Fish Restoration Act, a federal initiative that has championed aquatic conservation for over seven decades. Together, these funds keep the state’s waters teeming with life—and its anglers hooked on the thrill of the catch.
For more details on the open houses or Ohio’s fish hatcheries, head to wildohio.gov. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just curious about the underwater world, these events promise a fresh perspective on the state’s aquatic treasures.