Hatchery Operations

Each year, over 7000 volunteer hours contribute to the success of the hatchery.

September

  • The year begins with clean up and maintenance of equipment and building 

 

October

  • Anywhere from 75,000 to 300,000 eggs and milt are collected at the chosen site.

 

October to mid November

  • Fertilized eggs lay in the water beds undisturbed until “eye-up”
  • Formaldehyde treatments for disease control are applied
  • Eggs are then “shocked”, sorted and then placed in incubators until hatching

 

January – February

  • Eggs remain in incubators until hatching process is complete &“swim up” begins
  • Fish are then transferred to Square-Round Tanks
  • Incubators are cleaned and put into storage for next season.

 

February – March

  • Fish continue to develop until the egg sac is absorbed into the body
  • The fish are then taught how to feed by introducing small amounts of food by hand.
  • As they learn, the 24 hour a day feeders are introduced.

 

March – May

  • The tanks are cleaned daily and dead fish removed
  • Tanks are purged every other day or as required to remove fecal matter and any accumulated food.
  • The adipose fin is clipped for indentification

 

June

  • The fry are released into the Kam River when the water temperature is correct.

 

Mid- June to September

  • Closed for building and equipment maintenance.