Chattahoochee Forest National Fish Hatchery
Southeast Region
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Welcome to Chattahoochee Forest National Fish Hatchery

Credit: USFWS

 

Station Facts

  • Established: 1938.
  • FY 08 budget: $648,000.
  • Number of staff: six.

 

Geographic Area Covered

  • State of Georgia and Cherokee, North Carolina.

 

Station Goals

  • Fulfilling mitigation responsibilities and providing recreational fishing opportunities for Federal water development projects via a Memorandum of Understanding with the State of Georgia.
  • Fulfilling Tribal Trust responsibilities by providing technical assistance and rainbow trout to Native American Tribes.
  • Partnering with federal and state agencies and conservation groups to study and monitor the status of aquatic populations and to improve aquatic habitat of rare fishes as well as other aquatic species in TN, AL, GA, KY and NC.
  • Providing recreational fishing opportunities on Service lands.
  • Assisting in the recovery of threatened and imperiled fish.
  • Developing and implementing conservation education programs.

 

Services Provided to

Credit: USFWS

Credit: USFWS

  • General public and angling enthusiasts.
  • Federal and state agencies.
  • Federal, State and private organizations dedicated to the restoration and recovery of aquatic resources.
  • Native American Tribes.
  • Other Fish & Wildlife Service program offices.
  • Camp Frank D. Merrill, US Army.

 

Activity Highlights

  • The hatchery annually distributed 324,000 catchable-size rainbow trout and an additional 460,000 fingerlings to meet mitigation goals. These fish provided 160,000 anglers with an opportunity to land a trout.
  • The economic impact of the hatchery is over $32 million annually. That's well over $100 return on every budget dollar spent by the hatchery.
  • Approximately 38,000 visitors tour the hatchery annually. Major fishing events are held annually to promote recreational fishing and to introduce the public to the Fish and Wildlife Service and its mission.
  • An extensive outreach program has been implemented that promotes public use, recreational fishing, environmental education and program activities. The hatchery has a very active Friends Group and a tremendous volunteer organization.
  • Fingerling trout and technical assistance are provided to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in North Carolina.

 

Fish Species and Capabilities

  • The primary species raised at this facility is rainbow trout.
  • Populations of threatened and endangered fish are being held for refugia and growout.

 

Public Use Opportunities

  • The hatchery provides environmental education and public outreach opportunities to visitors, school groups, and various other organizations. The enviromental education program is designed to promote conservation ethics and to develop a greater outreach for recreational fishing opportunities.
  • The beautiful surroundings and natural environment draw a lot of visitors to the hatchery. A visitor kiosk and an opportunity to view the fish in various stages of production prove to be a great attraction. Rock Creek, which runs through hatchery property, offers a great trout fishing opportunity.
  • U.S. Forest Service campgrounds are located both above and below the hatchery.

 

Calendar of Events -- (2009 dates and times in red!)

  • May: SPECIAL KIDS FISHING RODEO (May 6th and 7th, 2009, from 9 a.m.-noon) -- These events, held in May each year, are for special needs youth from area schools. Volunteers work with the children to share the joys of fishing and the natural world. PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND NUMBERS ARE LIMITED.
  • June: SENIORS FISHING RODEO (June 5, 2009, from 9 a.m.-noon) -- Adults age 55 and older are invited to the hatchery each year to enjoy great trout fishing opportunities and prizes. Registration begins at 9 a.m.
  • June: FAMILY FISHING FESTIVAL (June 6, 2009, from 9 a.m.-noon) -- Youth ages 16 and under have excellent trout fishing opportunities, along with expert demonstrations, free food, educational exhibits, fun activities and prizes.
  • March to September: Stocking season.

 

Questions and Answers

What kind of fish do you raise?

Rainbow trout.

Where do you get the eggs to hatch the fish?

We get our eggs from the Erwin National Fish Hatchery in Erwin, TN. and Ennis National Fish Hatchery (MT).

How big are the fish when you stock them out?

Approximately nine inches.

How long does it take to get the fish from an egg to nine inches?

Approximately 12-16 months.

Do you provide fish to private individuals?

No. All the fish raised at this facility are stocked into public waters.

 
Last updated: March 24, 2009