Florida Freshwater Fish Hatcheries--Stocking Programs
Stocking summaries from Florida's two freshwater hatcheries are available in the list below. Also check out the interactive stocking map to see which species were stocked near you.
Links below show recent stocking histories and provide articles about hatchery operations.
| Species | No. Produced |
|---|---|
| Bluegill fingerlings (Phase I) | 21213 |
| Sunshine bass (hybrid) subadults | 0 |
| Redear Sunfish Fingerlings | 7150 |
| Florida largemouth bass fingerlings | 568803 |
| Florida largemouth bass subadults (Advanced) | 64716 |
| Bluegill subadults (Phase II) | 0 |
| Sunshine bass (hybrid) fingerlings | 933597 |
| Striped bass fingerlings | 236028 |
| White Bass Fingerlings | 73500 |
| Channel catfish fingerlings | 554184 |
| Channel catfish subadults | 160336 |
| Inland Silversides | 43575 |
| Triploid Grass Carp | 2113 |
| Threadfin Shad | 20300 |
| Mosquitofish (Gambusia) | 300000 |
| TOTAL TO DATE | 2985515 |
The FWC operates two freshwater fish hatcheries for all of Florida.
The Florida Bass Conservation Center is the larger, more modern facility located on Withlacoochee State Forest, in Sumter County. It has a visitor's observation area with informative displays, conducts research, and produces the majority of freshwater fish that are stocked in public freshwaters throughout the peninsula. They are also equipped to do fish health analyses and to provide samples for genetic analyses.
The Blackwater Hatchery is located in Santa Rosa County and is primarily responsible for bass stockings in the panhandle, and production of striped bass and sunshine bass.
- 2020-2021 Completed Stockings
- 2019-2020 Completed Stockings
- 2018-2019 Completed Stockings
- 2017-2018 Completed Stockings
- 2016-2017 Completed Stockings
- 2015-2016 Completed Stockings
- 2014-2015 Completed Stockings
- 2013-2014 Completed Stockings
- 2012-2013 Completed Stockings
- 2011-2012 Completed Stockings
- 2010-2011 Completed Stockings
- 2009-2010 Completed Stockings
- 2008-2009 Competed Stockings
Two recent articles about the 2014 stocking year and hybrid striped bass provide more detailed information.
The hatchery program plays a key role in implementation of the Florida Black Bass Management Plan, especially the Fish Management action steps. The following articles seek to provide insights into hatchery operations:
- How are lakes selected for stocking
- History of Florida hatcheries
- Typical annual production schedule
Primary species stocked:
- Florida largemouth bass
- Bluegill
- Redear sunfish
- Channel catfish
- Striped bass
- Sunshine bass
- Triploid grass carp
Glossary of terms
YouTube Overview of the FBCC
Feed training is an important new hatchery technique pioneered by FWC biologists for growing bigger largemouth bass for stocking. These larger "Phase-II" bass have fewer predators and can eat a wider range of prey when stocked than standard stocking bass, increasing their survival rate and stocking effectiveness.
Wire tagging of these larger Phase-II largemouth bass is a method of marking largemouth bass for research and fisheries enhancement purposes. You can learn more from the video below.
