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The Castalia Fish Hatchery has been in operation since
1870 in one form or another. Because it is located directly over a
subterranean stream (known collectively in the area as the "Blue Hole"
shown above) the water has
been ideal as a cold water fish hatchery and has been owned by various
groups and individuals over the years. In 1997, the Ohio Department of
Natural Resources Division of Wildlife purchased the 90 acre
hatchery for $1.35 million and re-named it the Castalia State Fish
Hatchery. This is the sixth state owned fishery and the
first in North-central Ohio area and the only one that allows for the reproduction of cold
water fish. The 50.5 degree water
provided by the area aquifer is ideal for raising rainbow/steelhead trout and it
provides stock for many cold water streams in Ohio. The hatchery is open
to the public Monday thru Friday from 8am to 3pm. This is a beautiful
location, well worth a visit. It also has a new covered picnic area that
was recently added and plenty of walking, area around the cold creek road
all the way back to the blue hole (one of several in the Castalia area)
which is next to the hatchery itself. |
