Our Hatchery
The Blue Den Hatchery has been providing quality live Rainbow Trout for over 50 years. Our hatchery’s water is gravity fed from several natural artesian springs on our property, creating a sustainable and low energy footprint for raising healthy, energetic fish. We routinely hear from our customers after stocking their ponds that our fish enjoy growth rates of several inches per year. Diploid vs. Triploid – which should you choose?” You may have heard the terms “triploid” and “diploid” and are wondering what they mean. “Triploid” refers to a fish that has been rendered sterile by means of heat and pressure treatment while it’s still in the egg. “Diploid” is any fish that hasn’t been so treated and remains fertile. So what’s the difference (other than fertility)? As a general rule, diploid fish tend to be somewhat hardier and more energetic. Our customers who focus on sport fishing prefer diploids because they put up a better fight on the hook. Triploid trout, because they don’t expend energy on reproduction, tend to live longer and grow larger. Although they may grow into slow moving “lunkers,” a triploid trout will live up to 10 years, whereas a diploid trout will usually only live 4-5 years. Diploid trout are not allowed in certain watersheds due to the risk of in-breeding with native fish. In our normal delivery area, that includes the Deschutes, McKenzie, and Rogue River basins. If you’re in one of these areas, triploid are normally the only fish approved for stocking. We have received approvals for stocking diploid trout in these areas, but only if the pond or tank has been certified by ODFW as having no outlet to open water. |   |