Trout time

MARGARETTA TWP. — Take a behind-the-scenes look at the Castalia State Fish Hatchery this weekend. The local hatchery, which raises more than 500,000 trout annually, will host an open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. It's located at 7018 Homegardner Road in Castalia. The event is free. During the open house, everyone will have the chance to walk through the hatchery building to view rainbow trout fingerlings and the covered raceway to see the steelhead trout. There will also be large rainbow trout swimming in Cold Creek. Raising the rainbow and steelhead trout requires approximately 100,000 pounds of food each year. People can help dish out some food by feeding trout during the event. There will also be fun activities with staff from other areas of the Ohio Division of Wildlife. Visitors can shoot at the archery trailer and BB gun range with the provided equipment. Fish biologists will display fish sampling equipment, including nets and an electrofishing boat. They'll be available to explain the equipment, share how data is used and answer questions. The hatchery's blue hole, which provides cold water for one of the raceways, will also be accessible to visitors. The open house is an America 250 event, so visitors will learn about the importance of fish habitat, aquatic wildlife conservation and how it intertwines with American history. The Castalia hatchery is one of the six hatcheries in the state operated by the wildlife division. Among all of the hatcheries, 36 million fish were raised and stocked in 2025. A variety of fish are stocked into many public lakes and rivers throughout the state, which enhances fishing opportunities for anglers. For anyone unable to attend the Castalia open house, visitors are still welcome at the hatchery from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays all year long. The parking area located outside the gate is always open for fish viewing and feeding. Many large trout are seen in that area year-round.