WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS W.Va. (WVDN) – For over 20 years, the White Sulphur Springs Natural Fish Hatchery has been striking chords in the hearts of 1,000s of kids, for when Summer is on the cuff, so are the trout. The White Sulphur Springs National Fish Hatchery is a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service facility located along the historic Midland Trail in southeast West Virginia. It was established in 1900 to produce fish for the American public.
This fish hatchery became part of the National Broodstock Program in 1976. Since then, hatchery personnel have been working to ship millions of disease-free rainbow trout eggs to hatcheries across the country. The White Sulphur Springs Annual Fishing Derby occurs on the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend. It provides an outdoor experience and an opportunity for children and their families to spend the day fishing for rainbow trout. The Annual Fishing Derby has been a regular event at the hatchery for over 20 years and is co-hosted by the White Sulphur Springs Rotary Club.
During The Dandelion Festival, the tradition continued with over 300 children in attendance, clutching one beautiful trout after another! This is broodstock, and the hatchery is stocking and caring for the trout eggs and their livelihood. Hosting this event brings awareness to their efforts, as well as keeping children interested in the conservation and wellness efforts of the National Wildlife Conservation. The Dandelion Festival Queen Willow Orsmbee and her courts were present, reeling in good fun as well!
The Dandelion Festival continued with a wide range of events throughout the weekend. Check out the Dandelion Festival Facebook page for more information.
