Dwight D. Eisenhower National Fish Hatchery

Welcome to the Dwight D. Eisenhower National Fish Hatchery, a 35-acre U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service facility located in the Green Mountains of Vermont. The hatchery was authorized by Congress in 1906 and constructed in 1909 to produce brook trout, char and Atlantic salmon for stocking the waters of Vermont, New York, and New Hampshire. The primary water supply, Furnace Brook, is a clean, soft water stream with high oxygen content. It also provides the seasonal fluctuations in temperature, hardness, and pH that closely approximate what the fish would encounter in nature. This results in fish better adapted to their natural environment.

Over one hundred years later, we are still rearing landlocked Atlantic salmon - for anglers to the Lake Champlain basin. We also are rearing lake trout for the recreational fishery in the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain. And we are raising brook trout for Vermont’s anglers.

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) NOTICE

Although most refuge and hatchery lands and outdoor spaces have remained open for the public to enjoy, we ask that you recreate responsibly.

Check the refuge or hatchery website and call ahead for current information. Operations vary based on local public health conditions.
The CDC recommends all individuals wear a mask indoors in public in areas of substantial or high transmission. Recognizing that most of the United States is currently in substantial or high transmission categories and to best protect visitors and our staff, we’ve implemented a nationwide mask requirement. Masks are now required inside all U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service buildings, regardless of vaccination status or location. All people, regardless of vaccination status, are required to wear a mask on all forms of public transportation and in healthcare settings on DOI lands.
Most importantly, stay home if you feel sick and continue to watch for symptoms of COVID-19 and follow CDC guidance on how to protect yourself and others.

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Visit Us

A curved road in a forested area with picnic benches adjacent to it. — The view from Dwight D Eisenhower National Fish Hatchery. USFWS

Our hatchery is open to visitors to enjoy the grounds, and view some of our fish. Visitors are welcome anytime from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., 365 days a year. Take a nice drive to the Green Mountains of Vermont and see thousands of fish, feed the large salmon in our display pool, and enjoy learning! You can also take a virtual tour (NEW LINK NEEDED) to learn about the Dwight D. Eisenhower National Fish Hatchery.

If you are planning on visiting us, check out the weather forecast for our area.

We can provide, through your educational institution, formalized work-training credit for high school and college students enrolled in the biological sciences or natural resources programs. Learn about youth employment and internships with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. (NEW LINK NEEDED)

The hatchery also participates in the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department's (VTFWD) "Trout in the Classroom" program. Visit the VTFWD website for information on how you can bring trout into your classroom.

And we assist the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in hosting an annual "Science at the Hatchery" day. For information on future Science at the Hatchery events, please contact Nanci McGuire at nanci.mcguire@vt.nacdnet.net or (802) 775-8034 (extension 4).

Learn More About Visiting

Location and Contact Information

Tours

A group of kids looking at fish inside a hatchery building. — A fun and educational visit to Dwight D Eisenhower! USFWS

We love having visitors! Youth groups, school and homeschool groups are encouraged to visit the hatchery for a guided tour. To schedule a field trip, please contact the hatchery at (802) 483-6618.

Our Organization

Fish and Aquatic Conservation

The Fish and Aquatic Conservation program leads aquatic conservation efforts for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. We are committed to tackling the nation’s highest priority aquatic conservation and recreational challenges to conserve, restore, and enhance fisheries for future generations.

Program