Montebello State Fish Hatchery
This is Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fishery smallest hatchery, but gets by far the highest public visitation owing to its location near the Blue Ridge Parkway and the George Washington National Forest. Its location east of the Blue Ridge and near some of the most popular trout waters in Northern Virginia makes it a very important hatchery for the agency. It is also the main source of trout for Virginia's Urban Fishing Program, which is located entirely in the eastern half of the state. About 60,000 pounds of brook, rainbow and brown trout are grown each year. All of the trout are reared in 33 outdoor raceways that are supplied with water mostly from on-site springs. Visitation is highest during October, when visitors enjoy the fall colors. Picnic tables and public restrooms available.
Please note: The Montebello Fish Hatchery will be closed to visitors the first week in June 2013 through the end of July 2013 for a major project to improve conditions at the hatchery. The hatchery manager, Thom Teears, will be glad to speak with anyone with questions on this project. He will be available weekdays during the projected two months the hatchery will be shut down while the work is being done. The hatchery number is 540-377-2418. Thom's email address is: thomteears@dgif.virginia.gov
