The Hackettstown State Fish Hatchery, also known as the Charles O. Hayford State Fish Hatchery, opened in 1912. The facility was responsible for trout production up to 1981, when the Pequest Trout Hatchery took over coldwater production. Hackettstown's emphasis then turned to cool and warm water production.

The hatchery is currently responsible for the production and distribution of 15 species of cool and warm water fish depending on annual requests from the Division's regional fisheries biologists. The hatchery also produces bluegill sunfish to support children's fishing derbies and gambusia (mosquitofish) to supply to county mosquito control commissions. Annual production numbers range from 1.5 to 2.5 million fish per year. (See summaries below.) The hatchery is located in Hackettstown, Warren County, along the banks of the Musconetcong River. The facility actually has two separate components, the West Hatchery and the East Hatchery that are situated, as their names imply, on the east and west sides of Hackettstown.

Greenwood Lake muskie brings a smile to a young angler. Click to enlarge

Hybrid stripers provide great angling! Click to enlarge

The West or main segment (199 acres) consists of a large state of the art fish culture facility, education center, and a 100-acre extensive pond complex consisting of more than 60 earthen ponds. These ponds range in size from .25-5 acres. The East Hatchery (34 acres) is used for extensive production only consisting of 40 earthen ponds, which range in size from .25-1 acre. The main water supply for both hatcheries is 52-degree spring water naturally bubbling out of the ground.   Although currently closed to the public some limited visitation is available by reservation at the Hackettstown Natural Resource Education Center. Small groups of all ages come to participate in activities such as pond seining, dipnetting and sampling. Recently a warmwater fishing education pond has been established on the site as a tool to introduce visitors to the art of fishing. For further information or reservations please contact Liz Jackson (908-637-4125) or Craig Lemon at 908-852-4950.

Hackettstown Hatchery Feature Articles