Visit Us
Depending on the time of year you visit the hatchery, you may observe a variety of activities:
April and May: In the spring we are stocking fish. We typically load trucks between 4:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on various days. We stock fish at several shore sites on Lake Ontario and Lake Erie in New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. To visit during this time and observe hatchery operation please call ahead for dates and times.
June and July: During the summer months we raise and feed young fish. This is the best time to visit us! Visiting hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
August and September: Throughout late summer we tag and fin-clip fish for lake survival and growth studies using automated machinery.
October and November: In the fall we are busy taking eggs and spawning. Egg take normally occurs on Tuesdays.
December through March: Throughout the winter we incubate the eggs at the hatchery and rear the young fry.
Activities
Allegheny National Fish Hatchery is on the Allegheny River. Though fishing is not permitted in the hatchery, it provides shore angler access, when requested to a designated area of the Allegheny River. Fishing downstream from the Kinzua Dam yields some of the largest freshwater fish (trout, walleye, bass, muskellunge) in North America. No bird blind is currently available, however there are frequent sightings on site. Species such as bald eagles, killdeer, osprey, mallards and swallows are common occurrences for viewing.
The hatchery has two public parking areas for anglers, birders and tours. Adjacent to the hatchery, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers provides a fishing platform and comfort station.
Other Facilities in the Complex
The hatchery is located approximately 200 feet downstream of the Kinzua Dam on the north bank of the Allegheny River. The Kinzua Dam was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers during 1960–1965 for flood control purposes, and the 45 acres on which the hatchery is situated is owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service was granted a 50-year use agreement for the land in 1966, which was recently renewed in 2016.
Rules and Policies
Allegheny National Fish Hatchery follows strict biosecurity measures on site. While visiting the hatchery we ask that you use the hand sanitizer and foot-baths located at the entrances and exits of fish holding areas. These measures help us to prevent cross contamination and limit our facility exposure to outside contaminates.
Locations
The Allegheny National Fish Hatchery is located at the northern base of the Kinzua Dam and is only accessible by Hemlock Road.
From US-62
Head south on US-62 S/Market Street
Turn left onto Pennsylvania Ave W
Turn left onto Hemlock Road before you cross the Allegheny River
The Hatchery will be located at the end of the road near the base of the Kinzua Dam
From US-6
Head towards Warren, PA
Turn onto Pennsylvania Ave E and cross the Allegheny River
Immediately after crossing the river turn right onto Hemlock Road
The Hatchery will be located at the end of the road near the base of the Kinzua Dam