Management and Conservation

The next time you go fishing, you might just catch a fish that was raised at White River National Fish Hatchery. Since 1871, National Fish Hatcheries have been responding to conservation challenges affecting America’s fish and other aquatic species. Producing fish continues to be an irreplaceable tool in managing or restoring fisheries along with habitat conservation. In doing so, we help provide recreation opportunities to America’s 34 million anglers who spend $36 billion annually in pursuit of their favored pastime.

The White River National Fish Hatchery produces Atlantic Salmon and Lake Trout. The fish are stocked annually in reservoirs, lakes, rivers and coastal streams across the Northeast.

Our Services

Since 1871, the White River NFH has produced and stocked millions of juvenile Atlantic Salmon and Lake Trout for restoration projects throughout the Northeast. As the aquatic habitat changes from natural or human influences, the natural production of fish declines. Aquaculture is one of the many management strategies used by biologists to help replenish the populations for years to come. 

Our Projects and Research

National Fish Hatcheries raise fish and other aquatic species – like crayfish and mussels - to help restore and sustain important fish and other aquatic species for the benefit of the American people. Freshwater mussels play very important roles in our rivers and lakes filtering the water and creating habitat for fish and aquatic insects fish like to eat. With declining fish populations and declining freshwater mussel populations becoming prevalent across the world, fish hatchery operations are more important than ever.