Public invited to explore new $5 million Gaden Trout Hatchery at open day

Visitors are invited to be amongst the first to explore Gaden Trout Hatchery's new state-of-the-art facilities when the iconic trout production facility opens its doors for an Open Day this Saturday 3 October.

A highlight of the Open Day will be the opportunity to tour the newly completed hatchery facility, made possible through a $5 million investment from Snowy Hydro as part of the Snowy 2.0 project, and strongly supported by the Monaro Acclimatisation Society.

The new facility will be officially opened by Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty. Visitors who register for a guided hatchery tour will have the opportunity to visit the facility and learn how it supports trout production and stocking programs across NSW.

The facility features modern recirculating aquaculture system technology that enables Gaden Trout Hatchery to grow advanced-size trout fingerlings, increasing resilience in stocking programs and helping safeguard the future of the Snowy Mountains' world-class trout fishery.

NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) Director Aquaculture and Industry Development Ian Lyall said the Open Day offered a unique opportunity for visitors to learn more about the work undertaken at one of Australia's most important cold-water fish breeding facilities.

"Many people enjoy fishing our stocked lakes, rivers and streams without seeing the work that goes on behind the scenes to produce those fish," Mr Lyall said.

"The Open Day is a great opportunity for families, fishers and nature lovers to learn more about fish breeding, stocking, conservation and fisheries research, while exploring a facility that has supported recreational fishing in NSW for more than 70 years."

There will be prizes for catching a tagged fish on the day for the kids.

Set on the banks of the Thredbo River near Jindabyne, each year Gaden Trout Hatchery produces millions of Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout, Atlantic Salmon and Tiger Trout, helping sustain recreational fishing in rivers, streams and lakes throughout the state.

Visitors will be able to enjoy guided hatchery tours, interactive fishing activities (including fishing for tagged trout for a prize), educational displays and family-friendly entertainment while gaining a behind-the-scenes look at the science and innovation that keeps NSW waterways stocked with trout.

No booking is required to attend the Open Day. Visitors are welcome to explore the displays, activities and exhibits throughout the day, with bookings only required for Hatchery Tours and Try Fishing Sessions.