Fish Farm PA is not a destination, but a love, a hobby, a livelihood or a dream. Pennsylvania waters are ideal for raising sport fish such as bass and trout. Commercial aquaculture is a huge industry in Pennsylvania; It is the #4 trout producing state in the US and the #1 trout fishing state in the US, contributing over a billion dollars a year to the state’s economy. Farmers here produce 70% of the trout in the Northeastern states. Pennsylvania boasts the world’s largest goldfish farm, the largest trout farm east of the Mississippi, and has one of the oldest continuously operating trout hatcheries (1902). It is the 11th largest aquaculture producing state.

Farmed fish include: Bass, Trout, Bluegill, Catfish, Crappie, Circles, Walleye, Dace, Carp, Suckers, Perch, Killifish, Crayfish, Minnows, Mummichog, Eel, Goldfish, Mussels, Sunfish, tadpoles, pike, frogs and bullhead.

The average Fish Farm PA produces locally grown fish at competitive prices. Focusing on over 20 species of sport fish, the breeding aims to catch fun fish with lots of action. The average farm has been passed down through the generations in the same family. Farmed trout are selected from local fish to maintain local character and thrive in local waters.

Pennsylvania has actively sought to increase aquaculture production and jobs. A study, which began as a way to make unused land along the Delaware River profitable, led to new technology for tank culture, such as tank shape, insulation, feed economics, and use of oxygen, so that the fish can grow anywhere. This is important in a business where success can be measured in pennies.

Advocacy includes creation of fish farm directories, marketing and education efforts on behalf of the industry, fair legislation and guidelines, quality control standards, and international marketing. Another objective is to ensure that the industry is sustainable and respectful of the environment. Pollution prevention and maintaining water safety are paramount needs of this industry.

Pond construction is a science. Care in the planning and execution of new ponds, the maintenance of existing ponds and the recovery of old ponds means quality fish in quality water. The environment, local flora and fauna, the needs of the fish to be farmed, runoff water quality and treatment, emergency concerns such as flooding, soil composition, drainage must all be addressed. and the types of materials used and their potential problems. Dams must be protected against failure. Local livestock can become a damage problem. Plants near and within a pond must be managed for high quality. Animals such as muskrats can damage ponds. Water temperature and oxygen content pose both benefits and problems for fish. Some need colder water, others warmer. Incorrect temperatures can lead to overcrowding or death of the fish.

Chemicals, nutrients, water hardness, pH factors, and pesticides must be controlled to maintain the highest quality of water and fish, and to minimize unhealthy plant growth. The growth of bacteria and algae is harmful and can lead to toxic conditions. Acid runoff from old mines can harm water quality. Finally, the parasites can be carried by pond snails.

For a list of Fish Farm PA hatcheries, contact the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture in Harrisburg, PA.