Fillmore Fish Hatchery - Fillmore, California

Fillmore Fish Hatchery: A Premier Fish Farm Experience

The Fillmore Fish Hatchery, located at 612 E Telegraph Rd, Fillmore, CA 93015, stands as a vital resource for both anglers and nature enthusiasts. Operated by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, this facility plays a crucial role in the propagation and stocking of various fish species within the region. It’s more than just a fish farm; it's a community hub offering a delightful and educational experience for visitors of all ages. Individuals seeking a memorable outing and a deeper appreciation for aquatic ecosystems will find Fillmore Fish Hatchery to be a rewarding destination.

Location and Accessibility

Situated in the heart of Fillmore, California, the hatchery’s location at 612 E Telegraph Rd provides convenient access from Highway 126. This strategic placement makes it a popular stop for travelers and locals alike. The hatchery is committed to accessibility, offering a wheelchair-accessible entrance and a wheelchair-accessible car park, ensuring that everyone can enjoy its offerings. Furthermore, a free electric charging station is available, adding to the convenience for visitors.

Specialties and Operations

As a dedicated fish farm, the Fillmore Fish Hatchery specializes in the rearing and conditioning of a diverse range of fish. Primarily, the hatchery focuses on trout, raising them to a suitable size for stocking local lakes and rivers. The hatchery’s operations involve a carefully managed process, starting with the collection of eggs, followed by incubation, rearing, and ultimately, the release of healthy, thriving fish back into the wild. The impressive giant fish vacuum, a significant piece of equipment, is used to efficiently remove waste and maintain optimal water quality – a testament to their commitment to responsible fish management. The hatchery also contributes significantly to the replenishment of the lake’s fish population, often utilizing flooded areas to provide a natural spawning ground for the massive trout observed at the west end of the facility.

Points of Interest and Activities

Beyond the primary fish rearing operations, the Fillmore Fish Hatchery offers a wealth of engaging features for visitors. The observation areas provide an excellent opportunity to witness the entire fish rearing process firsthand. Visitors can often spot a variety of wildlife, including spot cranes and ducks, adding to the natural beauty of the site. Furthermore, the hatchery’s history is evident in its design and operation, reflecting decades of dedication to fisheries conservation. The facility is regularly maintained and enhanced to provide a superior experience for its guests. It's a fantastic place to learn about the importance of aquatic ecosystems and the role that hatcheries play in their preservation.

Visitor Information and Contact Details

For those interested in planning a visit, the Fillmore Fish Hatchery is readily accessible. The contact number is 8055240962. A comprehensive website, available at wildlife.ca.gov, provides detailed information regarding operating hours, current conditions, and upcoming events. The hatchery welcomes visitors and encourages them to explore its many offerings.

Community Engagement and Feedback

The Fillmore Fish Hatchery has garnered significant positive feedback from the local community. Currently, it boasts over 244 reviews on Google My Business, with an average rating of 4.7/5. These reviews consistently highlight the hatchery’s value as a free and enjoyable outing for families. Visitors frequently commend the hatchery’s educational value, the opportunity to observe the fish rearing process, and the serene natural surroundings. The combination of free entry, fish food, and the electric charging station contributes to its popularity and appeal.

The hatchery’s legacy is one of consistent quality and community support. Its dedication to providing a valuable resource for both recreational anglers and environmental education is evident in every aspect of its operation. It’s a place where families can create lasting memories while learning about the importance of fish conservation. The adjacent lake, often populated with impressive giant trout, further enhances the visitor experience, showcasing the successful outcomes of the hatchery's efforts. The sheer volume of wildlife observed – spot cranes, ducks, and a variety of other species – underscores the hatchery’s role in supporting a thriving local ecosystem.

👍 Reviews of Fillmore Fish Hatchery

Teri G.

5/5

Been going here for over 30 years. Such a sweet, free outing that my kids have loved over and over again. Free entry and fish food. Free electric charging station. There's alot to see, like the giant fish vacuum, used to pull out the fish to stock lake. You'll see giant trout at the west end, not part of the hatchery, but gets populated when the hatchery is flooded. Spot cranes, ducks and wildlife. A fun Free stop off the 126 in Fillmore.

Carlos G.

5/5

I have been coming to this fish hatchery since I was a kid and it holds a special place in my heart. They allow all ages but leave your dog outside the hatchery area. They used to charge five cents for fish food, but now it is free to feed the fish the pellets provided. Bring gloves or a cup so as to not get your hands greasy with the pellets. Plenty of parking and the bathrooms are usually open...usually. It is a cool 20 minutes to spend on your way to Ventura or Los Angeles.

Danny G.

3/5

It used to be a nice place to visit. Picnic area needed to be cleaned up and grass cut, so you can't enjoy the little area. Restrooms were filthy needed to be fixed, painted, and cleaned, women's was closed up. But the experience of looking and feeding the trout was nice to see.

Gicela S.

5/5

Not a lot of fish right now... But I gotta say the staff were super welcoming and so nice. My question is, on the side where there is like a little pond with ducks. It would be awesome to be able to explore that area. Do you guys ever allow anyone on that side?

Thank you to the nice gentleman that allowed us to feed the fish! I know it's free but they were doing maintenance at the time we arrived and he was kind enough to let us feed them.

Adeline D.

5/5

Fun! We just stopped by for 15 mins but my toddler loved seeing the trout. They provide fish food for free which was a nice bonus.

Steven S.

5/5

Awesome place to take kids and yourself to see trout in different sizes.And there's a few buckets of food that you can feed the fish..two handfuls per person.Kids love feeding the fish.

Marc L.

5/5

Nice area close to LA to view and feed the trout that eventually make their way to the local lakes and streams in Southern California

Maria D.

5/5

Great little place in which you can observe this process up close. There is free fish feed and you can watch group trout behavior. It's fun for a bit. There is no entrance fee!