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 N.C.
Table Rock Fish Hatchery has an outdoor facility designed to receive fingerlings, which are young fish around 4” long, to place 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.
Fish Corral!
This triangular structure is called a Kettle Tank. It is designed to corral fish so that collecting them is controlled.
Fish diligently search out deeper waters, when the water levels in the pond are being lowered with the use of dam boards. This process of lowering the water encourages the fish to congregate in deeper waters, which are only located in the triangular structures, called kettle tanks.
Fish are collected by hatchery staff, using dip nets. They are moved to holding tanks after being weighed to then be distributed among various localities participating in the Community Fishing Program (CFP).
Table Rock Fish Hatchery brings Channel Catfish to various CFP participating locations in the western part of N.C. for the purpose of increasing public fishing opportunities.
The program in part is funded through the Sports Fish Restoration Program.
Supporting Public Fishing
Fish are collected, weighed, and placed into transport tanks to be released in Community Fishing Program access areas.