Hatchery Support Programs
Raising Native Fish for a Healthy Future
Aquatic hatcheries are facilities constructed for the main purpose of providing support to native aquatic species. These efforts include hatching and raising species from Channel catfish to trout. Table Rock Fish Hatchery is one of the hatcheries supporting the resources of North Carolina.
How Table Rock Fish Hatchery Works
Table Rock Fish Hatchery has an outdoor facility designed to receive fingerlings—young fish around 4 inches long—and place them in "grow out" ponds. The fish remain in the ponds until they reach a harvestable size of around 10 inches. Table Rock focuses on Channel catfish, Smallmouth bass, Lake sturgeon, and Muskie.
Fish are Ready!
Fish reaching between 8 to 12 inches are ready to be collected and released into their new homes.
The Harvest and Distribution Process
The facility uses triangular structures called kettle tanks, which contain the deepest water in each pond. To harvest the fish, hatchery staff lower the water levels using dam boards. As the water recedes, fish naturally move toward the deeper water in the kettle tanks, where they congregate for safe and efficient collection.
Hatchery staff collect the fish using dip nets and move them to holding tanks, where they are weighed. The fish are then distributed to various localities participating in the Community Fishing Program (CFP).
Fish Corral!
This triangular structure is called a Kettle Tank. It is designed to corral fish so that collecting them is controlled.
Supporting Public Fishing
Fish are collected, weighed, and placed into transport tanks to be released in Community Fishing Program access areas.
The Community Fishing Program
Table Rock Fish Hatchery brings Channel catfish to CFP participating locations in western North Carolina to increase public fishing opportunities. The program is funded in part through the Sports Fish Restoration Program.
Sustaining Fisheries for Future Generations
Programs like these do more than stock ponds—they protect native species, support balanced ecosystems, and ensure that fishing remains accessible to families and communities across North Carolina. By strengthening fish populations through careful hatchery management, we preserve both our natural heritage and recreational opportunities for generations to come.