The Province has administered a hatchery program since 1982, when a federal-provincial agreement delegated responsibility for the production and distribution of trout in Nova Scotia. Stocking initiatives are probably the most visible and popular of Inland Fisheries' management activities.

Approximately 200 lakes are stocked each spring as part of our urban stocking program. Nova Scotia's most popular salmonids, Brook trout and Rainbow trout are made available for this program. Trout are generally catchable size and in addition to providing angling opportunity may reduce pressure on more vulnerable wild stocks. More than 45 derbies receive trout from our Fraser's Mills and McGowan Lake hatcheries. These social events are cherished by many organizers and communities as a means of introducing youngsters to the enjoyment and comradery that angling can provide. An additional 200 lakes are stocked in the fall, usually after the angling season closes as part of our fall enhancement program. Brook trout account for most of this effort but Brown trout and Landlocked salmon populations are also enhanced at this time of year. In recent years, the hatcheries have been able to provide additional Rainbow trout to sites with winter seasons as the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries looks to expand winter angling opportunities.

Some of the Provinces more popular stocked lakes are: RFA-1 #20 Dam Pond (Cape Breton Co.), McIntyre Lake (Inverness Co.) RFA-2 Cameron Lake (Antigonish Co.), Gairloch Lake (Pictou Co.), RFA-3 Albro Lake (Halifax Co.), Sucker Lake (Lunenburg Co.) RFA-4 Everitts Lake (Digby Co.), Christopher Lakes (Queens Co.) RFA-5 Silver Lake (Kings Co.) Meadow Pond (Hants Co.), RFA-6 Angevine Lake (Cumberland Co.), Little Dyke Lake (Colchester Co.)

To view a list of lakes stocked in Nova Scotia click here.

Fraser's Mills Hatchery

Built in 1928 as part of the Government of Canada's hatchery system, Fraser's Mills has essentially been rebuilt since the Province of Nova Scotia assumed responsibility for its operation. The site has outdoor raceways and circular ponds as well as a hatchery building and broodstock development facility. Four species of salmonids are reared at this hatchery; Speckled (Brook) trout, Brown trout, Rainbow trout and Landlocked salmon. It is the only trout broodstock (adult parent fish) facility in the province, with several thousand broodstock maintained on this site. This hatchery distributes approximately 500,000 - 700,000 fish annually.

McGowan Lake Hatchery

The McGowan Lake Hatchery, built in 1987, has helped to ensure the future of trout fishing in western Nova Scotia, a region with many acid-stressed lakes and streams. This hatchery utilizes a unique water treatment facility and an oxygen generation and injection system to rear 1 million speckled trout which are released annually as fry, fall fingerlings and yearlings.

Both hatcheries have visitor interpretation centres which provide an opportunity to learn more about the hatchery and other aspects of recreational angling in Nova Scotia. Visitors can view photographs, posters, artifacts and displays on a variety of subjects.

Fraser's Mills Fish Hatchery
RR #3, St. Andrews
Antigonish Co., NS B0H 1X0
(902) 783-2926

McGowan Lake Fish Hatchery
Box 141
aledonia, Queens Co., NS B0T 1B0
(902) 682-2576