The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Essex County have announced that their partnership for fish stocking in the county will continue, despite the upcoming closure of the Essex County Fish Hatchery in Crown Point. The DEC will take over responsibility for stocking trout in publicly accessible waters to meet fisheries management objectives.
Regional Director Joe Zalewski said, “The health of our fisheries is a top priority for DEC and our management goals for surveying and stocking trout waters provides anglers with quality fishing experiences in Essex County. DEC staff worked closely with the County over the past year to plan a smooth transition following the hatchery’s closure to ensure DEC’s support of Essex County’s outstanding trout fishing opportunities.”
Essex County Board of Supervisors Chairman Shaun Gillilland commented on the decision: “The decision to close the Essex County Fish Hatchery was not taken lightly. However, this transition and partnership with DEC will allow the County to comply with the State’s water quality and trout management programs while still ensuring both our residents and visitors can continue to enjoy high-quality fishing opportunities across the County.”
Starting immediately, DEC will stock trout in eight ponded waters and six streams at up to 31 locations throughout Essex County. The agency also plans to evaluate other local waters for future stocking based on its guidelines. Details about specific allocations will be made available on DEC’s fish stocking website as they are determined.
The hatchery has been part of Essex County’s fishing community since it was built by New York State in the 1920s. It has provided brook, rainbow, and brown trout for local water bodies, supporting recreational fishing activities such as annual derbies held by eight towns in the county. Operated by Essex County since the mid-1980s, it is scheduled to cease operations in 2026 due to economic challenges related to maintaining production rates without expensive upgrades required by water quality standards.
In an effort to reduce pollution without major investments, fish production at the hatchery dropped from more than 60,000 fish stocked in 2020 to just over 19,000 expected in 2026.
Local fishing derbies that depended on annual fish stocking from the hatchery will now receive funding from reallocated occupancy tax dollars previously used for hatchery operations. These funds are intended to help towns purchase fish from private hatcheries so they can continue hosting these events.
For further information, contact either Essex County’s Board of Supervisors Office or the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
