Find Recreation Areas with FISHHATCHERY Activities
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Fish
Hatcheries
Fish hatcheries were
established in the
1800's, to enhance
the number of fish
in streams and lakes
where native fish populations
were declining due
to changes in the natural
environment. "Cultured"
fish were used to replace
fish that were lost
from natural causes
(drought, flood, habitat
destruction) or human
influences (over-harvest,
pollution, habitat
loss due to development
and dam construction),
to establish fish populations
to meet specific management
needs, and to provide
for the creation of
new and expanded recreational
fisheries opportunities.
Today, fish hatcheries
also provide hope for
endangered fish species
as well as providing
research on fish disease,
habitat, and the future
of fish in general.
Not all fish hatcheries
allow recreational
fishing, so call ahead
to see what activities
are allowed.
|
photo
courtesy of US
Fish and Wildlife
Service
employee feeding
fish at fish hatchery |
Practice
Good Stewardship of
our Hatcheries:
You can help to
take care of our hatcheries,
lakes, rivers, and
other waterways so
that others may enjoy
these areas for
years to come by practicing
some of the following
actions:
Don't
Litter... take along
a trash bag or other
receptacle
for collecting your
trash so that you can
deposit it in the
proper trash receptacle.
Use proper dumping
stations instead
of tossing refuse into
the water.
Make
sure that you use the
correct type of bait
and fishing gear permitted
in that area. There
may also be limits
on the number, size,
and kind of fish that
you can keep. Check
with your destination
ahead of time to see
what the local regulations
allow.
If you use a boat or
watercraft when fishing,
check to see what kinds
of watercraft are allowed
at the body of water
where you are going
to fish.
Pay
attention to local
procedures and cautions
at hatcheries and for
cleaning your watercraft
after you leave the
water so that you don't
encourage the spread
of non-native species,
such as the Zebra Mussel,
to the next body of
water you may visit
with your boat.
Don't
fish in areas where
it is not permitted.
These areas have been
declared "off
limits" to fishing
to protect wildlife,
vegetation, or for
your safety.
Safety
While Fishing and while
visiting Hatcheries:
If using a boat to
fish, wear your life
jacket and make sure
that your passengers
wear theirs, too !
Use
caution when baiting
and removing hooks
Don't
kick or dislodge pebbles
or other debris into
the hatchery beds...
these objects can harm
developing fish!
Do
not fish on unauthorized
waterways
If
operating a houseboat,
be careful of carbon
monoxide build-up around
the boat
Obey
the posted speedlimits
and wake warnings if
using a watercraft
when fishing
Bring
along extra safety
items such as water,
flashlights, maps,
and a cellphone or
radio