How to Start a Trout Hatchery

Trout is one of the main species of pond-raised fish in America. Although most of the trout farmed in the U.S. for food consumption originate from hatcheries in Idaho, trout farms are expanding to become more national in scope. Trout require cool, well oxygenated water and trout farmers typically use aerators to ensure optimal water quality. It is possible to rear this species in cages, but a dam can hold more free swimming individual fish. These fish will also feed from the surface, where the farmer can monitor their condition and size.

Things You'll Need

  • Reliable source of non-polluted water
  • Reliable source of electricity
  • Holding dam for breeding stock
  • Weather-proof room rearing room
  • Six to eight 1000-gallon grow out tanks
  • Two large grow out ponds
  • Weather-proof storeroom
  • Plastic food containers with tight-fitting lids
  • Seine nets
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Instructions

    • 1

      Acquire funding for the start-up and initial operating costs of your trout hatchery. Such funding includes money for land acquisition, the pond, building construction and the trout stock. It may also be necessary to apply for a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

    • 2

      Determine your water supply. You should ideally acquire a high-quality source such as spring or well water. Municipal water is also acceptable but it may become costly over time.

    • 3

      Ensure that you have a reliable source of electricity.

    • 4

      Dig a holding dam for your adult breeding stock and connect an aerator to it, which is especially important during warm weather. The stocking ratio for trout is typically 100 adult fish per acre.

    • 5

      Build a weather-proof rearing room and set up six to eight 1,000-gallon aquariums for growing the trout fry.

    • 6

      Dig two large grow-out ponds for the trout fingerlings. Connect an aerator to each pond.

    • 7

      Build a weather-proof storeroom in which to stock your trout pellet food. Use labeled plastic containers with tight-fitting lids for storing your supply.

    • 8

      Place a feeding ring on each pond and secure each to a tree or wooden post on the bank. Feed a high-quality floating pellet three times per day. Throw the pellets into the floating feeding ring and only feed as much as the trout will consume within a five to 15 minute period. Do not feed the fish once the water temperature reaches 58 degrees Fahrenheit.

    • 9

      Purchase two good quality seine nets for harvesting the trout.

    • 10

      Introduce the fingerling trout, which will become your breeding stock, to the holding dam. Make sure the fingerlings don't exceed a maximum of 3,000 fish per acre.