Trout Fish Farming

Summary: Trout has become a popular fish for human consumption and as fish stocks in recreational ponds since they were introduced in the U.S. more than a century ago. How are they raised? What is the most commonly farmed species of trout in the country?

What facilities are needed to start a trout farm? These questions will be answered by our basic guide.

Trout are freshwater fish. They are valued as food and sports fish. They belong to the same genera as salmon and some salmon are referred to as trout. They fed on other fish and also on zooplanktons. Sometimes they are farmed to replace stocks that are depleted by overfishing. The fish was introduced to the U.S. more than a century ago. Today, the most commonly farmed trout is the rainbow trout. Usually, trout farm owners purchase eyed eggs or fingerlings for growing rather than breed broodstock. It is because trout spawning requires considerable labor, skill and expenses.

Trout Farming Parameters

Trout need a constant supply of high quality water. As freshwater fish, they can be grown in natural water such as ponds, rivers, streams, and lakes. They can also be grown in artificial facilities like tanks, pools, cages and raceways. Ideal water for artificial systems are those from springs or underground wells. Surface water or municipal water may also be used. Water flow rate to ponds should be at least 50 gpm for fee fishing operations and more than 2,000 gpm for large farms producing trout for food. The water must be of high quality, meeting standards for trout farming as trout are sensitive to water conditions. Of particular consideration is the temperature of the water because it affects the fish’s growth rate. For specific values on optimum conditions for raising trout contact extension specialists or refer to published researches.

Another matter that a trout farm owner must pay attention to is the discharge of the operation’s waste to receiving waters. Waste disposal is regulated to see to it that effluents do not degrade the quality of the receiving medium. Trout farm wastes could include harmful micro-organisms, drugs, chemicals and metabolic wastes. Disposal of such wastes usually needs a clearance from regulating bodies before they could be disposed of.

Trout Farm Equipment Needs

Trout farming may be pursued as a large-scale operation requiring intensive capital, and automation to produce fish for marketing to restaurants, supermarkets, fish processors, and fee fishing operations. It will require the farmer to intensely monitor the operation of the hatchery and keep up-to-date production records. It may necessitate the construction of a hatch house, and the purchase of egg incubators, aerators, blower system, air diffuser, generator, feeder, disinfectant tank, hauling tank, grading and sorting tools, scales, and delivery trucks. But trout farming can also be pursued small as a hobby with moderate capital needs and minimal work.