Edenton
Edenton, NC 27932-1621
Plan Your Visit
Edenton National Fish Hatchery is a stop on the Charles Kuralt trail, and offers great opportunities for birding and outdoor recreation, and a public aquarium. The hatchery borders Pembroke Creek, which allows fishing for species such as largemouth bass and channel catfish. It features a raised 200-foot-long wheelchair-accessible boardwalk through bottomland hardwood wetland ending at a fishing pier, a classroom that seats 32, and aquariums and exhibits.
The hatchery offers a look into the changing seasons of warm water fish culture. At different times of the year, visitors can see Striped Bass culture from egg to juvenile fish culture and preparations for release.
At certain times of the year, large group tours can be scheduled. Please contact Deputy Manager Sam Pollock at (252) 482-4118 to schedule a tour.
As you enter the parking lot, you should be able to see our public aquarium. As you face the public aquarium, there is a paved area that leads to our hatchery gates. Visitors can enter the hatchery gates on foot to see the Striped Bass ponds, the holding houses, and the boardwalk on Pembroke Creek. The walk to Pembroke Creek is about 0.4 kilometers or 1/4 mile (Visitors that need assistance should contact the hatchery at (252) 482-4118.
Driving Directions
Travel to Edenton via US-17. Take Exit 224 and turn left if Southbound, right if Northbound. Continue on this road (W. Queen Street) for approximately 3 miles. The hatchery will be on the left. Hatchery hours are Mon-Fri 7am-3:30pm. The hatchery is also open weekends and holidays July through early December.
Activities
Featured Species
Get Involved
Edenton National Fish Hatchery is recruiting interns for the spring, summer, and fall production seasons. Up to two volunteer interns are being sought to cover all or part of each season. Interns may serve multiple seasons. Interns will work a 40 hour week with a minimum commitment of 2 months (prefer 3 months). Interns will learn fish culture skills and other duties performed at warm water fish hatcheries. If you would like more information on the internship, please email sonia_mumford@fws.gov. If you are interested in applying, please send a cover letter (including your available dates), resumé and two references to sonia_mumford@fws.gov. The deadline for the Spring/Summer internships is December 1 prior to the intended Spring/Summer internship. The deadline for the Fall internship is July 20th prior to the intended Fall internship.
Services
We contribute to the conservation of fish and other aquatic animals by raising them at the hatchery and releasing them into public waters. In order to raise the fish, we learn about their natural history, including habitat, diet, and water quality requirements. We work to provide all of their requirements at each of their life stages. Depending on the fish/aquatic animal program, much of our time is spent feeding, observing our animals, and if applicable, cleaning raceways or tanks. However, we spend a significant amount of time is spent making sure we have good water quality. Meeting the water quality requirements is essential for raising most species.
About
Since 1898, Edenton National Fish Hatchery has produced warm water fish for public use, restoration, and species recovery. Originally established to supplement American shad populations, it has grown to become the largest striped bass producer in the National Fish Hatchery System. Today, staff also manage conservation programs for lake sturgeon, Cape Fear shiners, white shiners, and gopher frogs.