Florida Freshwater Fish Hatcheries--Stocking Programs

Stocking summaries from Florida's two freshwater hatcheries are available in the list below. Also check out the interactive stocking map to see which species were stocked near you.

Links below show recent stocking histories and provide articles about hatchery operations.

MAP of Stocking Sites.

The FWC operates two freshwater fish hatcheries for all of Florida.

The Florida Bass Conservation Center is the larger, more modern facility located on Withlacoochee State Forest, in Sumter County. It has a visitor's observation area with informative displays, conducts research, and produces the majority of freshwater fish that are stocked in public freshwaters throughout the peninsula. They are also equipped to do fish health analyses and to provide samples for genetic analyses.

The Blackwater Hatchery is located in Santa Rosa County and is primarily responsible for bass stockings in the panhandle, and production of striped bass and sunshine bass.

Two recent articles about the 2014 stocking year and hybrid striped bass provide more detailed information.

The hatchery program plays a key role in implementation of the Florida Black Bass Management Plan, especially the Fish Management action steps. The following articles seek to provide insights into hatchery operations:

• How are lakes selected for stocking
• History of Florida hatcheries
• Typical annual production schedule

Feed training is an important new hatchery technique pioneered by FWC biologists for growing bigger largemouth bass for stocking. These larger "Phase-II" bass have fewer predators and can eat a wider range of prey when stocked than standard stocking bass, increasing their survival rate and stocking effectiveness.