LURAY, Va. — A major loss at a Millboro fish hatchery will mean fewer trout for local anglers.
According to an October 23 Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) media release, approximately 130,000 trout died due to a combination of equipment failure, drought-related low water supplies and seasonal pathogens.
A recirculation pump shut off overnight at Coursey Springs Fish Hatchery.
The pump’s purpose is to help maintain water flow when the hatchery’s natural spring runs low.
The malfunction reduced water flow and oxygen levels in the fish tanks. The resulting stress made the trout more susceptible to pathogens in the water.
The cause of the equipment failure remains unknown.
Stocking will be reduced in 72 waters across 11 counties, including Alleghany, Augusta, Bath, Fauquier, Frederick, Highland, Page, Rockbridge, Rockingham, Shenandoah, and Warren.
No scheduled stockings will be canceled.
Coursey Springs, approximately one hour west of Staunton, raises rainbow, brown and brook trout.
In total, the DWR operates nine hatcheries that produce nearly 5 million fish for stocking statewide.
Stocked waters in Page County include Hawksbill Creek, Cub Run, Upper Passage Creek and Bealers Ferry Pond.
An unrelated notice on the DWR Lake Arrowhead page reads: “Channel catfish stockings have been discontinued until further notice. Existing channel catfish populations remain in the waterbody, but anglers should expect lower catch rates over time due to the absence of continued stocking efforts.”
The DWR plans to use any excess trout from its other cold-water hatcheries to supplement stocking in the areas affected by the Coursey Springs incident.