A 'fintastic' open house

MARGARETTA TWP. — It was a picture-perfect day at the Castalia State Fish Hatchery. The warm weather made for an enjoyable open house at the hatchery on April 15, which gave people a behind-the-scenes look at raising rainbow and steelhead trout. More than 1,200 people attended the event this year. "I enjoyed seeing everyone and explaining what we do here at the hatchery," said Andy Jarrett, the fish hatchery's superintendent. "The best part is always seeing the kids and their fascination with fish." The Castalia fish hatchery is one of six fish hatcheries operated by the state. The Ohio Division of Wildlife raises more than 40 million fish each year at the hatcheries. During the open house in Castalia, visitors learned all about the trout, the blue hole, bald eagles, electrofishing and more. In addition to various activities for children, people of all ages toured the grounds and fed year-old steelhead trout. The hatchery goes through more than 100,000 pounds of fish food each year. The blue hole peaked the interest of many visitors. It's an artesian well where the underground water, or river, flows up through the limestone to the surface, Jarrett said. The blue hole produces 2,000 to 3,000 gallons of water per minute. The water is cold, about 50 degrees, and clear, which is ideal for raising trout. Located on 90 acres of land and staffed by four full-time and two seasonal employees, the Castalia State Fish Hatchery produced more than 500,000 fish in 2022. It raised about 76,000 "catchable" rainbow trout, with an average length of 12 inches, that were stocked in 52 different public waters. It also grew about 471,000 yearling trout, which were stocked in six tributaries of Lake Erie Jarrett said he anticipates there will be a similar event next spring. Mid-April is the best time to see everything going on at the hatchery. If someone missed the event, Jarrett said visitors are still welcome to visit the Castalia hatchery, 7018 Homegardner Road, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. The blue hole and some of the fish viewing areas are available to see. Groups of more than 20 people can call in advance to schedule a guided tour.