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 large industry in Pennsylvania; it is the number 4 trout producing state in the US and the number 1 trout fishing state in the US, contributing more than a billion dollars a year to the state’s economy. Breeders here produce 70% of the trout in the northeastern states. Pennsylvania boasts the largest goldfish farm in the world, 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, Shingles, Walleye, Dace, Carp, Suckers, Perch, Killifish, Crayfish, Minnows, Mummichog, Eel, Goldfish, Mussels, Sunfish, tadpoles, pike, frogs and bull’s head.

The average PA Fish Farm produces locally farmed fish at competitive prices. Focusing on more than 20 species of sport fish, the breeding aims at catching fun fish with lots of action. The average farm has been passed down from generation to generation in the same family. Farmed trout are selected from local fish to maintain local character and thrive well 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 farming, such as tank shape, insulation, food economics, and use. of oxygen, so that the fish can be raised anywhere. This is important in a business where success can be measured in pennies.

Advocacy includes the 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 goal is to ensure that the industry is sustainable and environmentally friendly. Preventing pollution and maintaining water safety are paramount needs of this industry.

Pond construction is a science. Care in planning and execution of new ponds, maintenance of existing ponds and restoration of old ponds means quality fish in quality water. The environment, the local flora and fauna, the needs of the fish to be farmed, the quality and treatment of runoff water, emergency concerns such as flooding, the composition of the soil, the drainage 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 benefits and problems for fish. Some need cooler water, others warmer. Incorrect temperatures can lead to overcrowding or fish death.

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 detrimental and can produce toxic conditions. Acidic 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.