Ontario Invests $75 Million in Fish Hatchery Upgrades to Enhance Recreational Fishing

NORTH BAY — Ontario is making waves in its recreational fishing sector, announcing a $75 million investment to modernize its fish hatchery program. The upgrades aim to bolster fish populations across the province, supporting both anglers and conservation efforts.

The plan includes critical infrastructure updates at three key fish culture stations:

• Blue Jay Creek Fish Culture Station, Manitoulin Island: A new building will be constructed to raise walleye, boosting production by up to 600% annually.
• North Bay Fish Culture Station: Improvements will enable the stocking of over 555,000 sought-after fish species, including brook trout, lake trout, and rainbow trout.
• Hill’s Lake Fish Culture Station, Englehart: Upgrades will increase the capacity to raise and stock more than 530,000 fish, including splake and the unique aurora trout.

[1/3] I was excited to be at the North Bay Fish Culture Station today with Minister @VictorFedeli and Laurie Marcil of @OutfittersNorth to announce $75M+ to modernize 3 fish culture stations in #Ontario. pic.twitter.com/4TRjDubwn4

— Graydon Smith (@GraydonTheMPP) December 16, 2024

“These investments are great news for fishing enthusiasts across Ontario,” said Graydon Smith, Ontario’s Minister of Natural Resources. “We are modernizing Ontario’s world-class fish culture and stocking program, making sure we are best positioned to meet current and future needs. These improvements will contribute to the sustainable management of fish populations and add to the economic and social benefits of fishing in Ontario.”

The renovations will replace aging infrastructure with modern, energy-efficient equipment, enabling the stations to raise larger fish and improve operational efficiency. Fish raised in these stations are stocked into Ontario lakes to enhance fishing opportunities and promote conservation. Species like walleye, salmon, and trout will benefit anglers in both remote and urban waterbodies.

Fishing is a cornerstone of Ontario’s tourism and recreation industries, and this investment is expected to strengthen the province’s reputation as a world-class destination for anglers.