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U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Return to Bears Bluff National Fish Hatchery

Species

Updated September 16, 2026

Seasons of Wildlife

Seasonal Species Viewing

Due to life histories, many of the species we work with are handled seasonally throughout the year. The following is a generalized time frame of when we typically have animals and plants on site and available for viewing.

  • American Shad: Adults, eggs, and fry may be viewed at the hatchery between February and May.
  • Atlantic Sturgeon: Can be observed year round. Possible eggs and newly hatched fry available for viewing August and September.
  • Red Drum: On site as fry in September, October, and November. Productions ponds may be viewed but the fish held within them are not available for viewing.
  • Carolina Gopher Frog: Eggs are collected, hatched and raised through metamorphosis. Some form of the life stage can be viewed between February and July.
  • Savannah Lilliput mussel: May be seen on station between May and August.
  • Eastern Oyster: Oyster shell collection station is open year round. Reef builds typically occur between May and September. 
  • American Chaffseed: Can be seen year round.

Bears Bluff National Fish Hatchery currently works with a variety of species: Atlantic sturgeon, American shad, red drum, flathead catfish, white catfish, Savannah lilliput mussel, Yellow lampmussel, Carolina heelsplitter mussel, Carolina gopher frog, American chaffseed, eastern oyster, smooth cordgrass, and milkweed plants.

 


 

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