Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of fish do you raise?

Edenton National Fish Hatchery is a warmwater hatchery which means we raise fish that do best in water temperature above 65 degrees. Current species in production at this facility include striped bass and American shad.

Where do you stock your fish?

Our primary area of focus is the rivers and streams of North Carolina but Edenton National Fish Hatchery provides fish for the states of South Carolina and Virginia to aid in their restoration efforts.

How do you get the eggs from the fish?

Personnel from Edenton National Fish Hatchery, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, and North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries collect adult "broodfish" from the wild during the natural spawning runs. These adults are brought to Edenton or to the Watha State Fish Hatchery where they are monitored for egg maturation. They spawn in circular tanks where the eggs are collected for hatching.

Do you provide fish to private individuals?

This was once a function of the National Fish Hatchery system. “Farm pond” stocking is not considered a Federal responsibility, and fish are no longer provided to individuals. All fish raised at Edenton National Fish Hatchery are stocked into public waters.

Do you give tours of the hatchery?

Edenton National Fish Hatchery has an active public use program. The hatchery has a public aquarium, a raised boardwalk through a wetland area, and classroom facilities that will be open. All facilities are open to the public for self-guided tours. Large groups, as well as small, are given tours by station personnel if arrangements are made in advance and staff time permits.