Berkshire Trout Hatchery United States Department of the Interior Berkshire National Fish Hatchery

240 Hatchery Road, New Marlborough, MA

About Berkshire National Fish Hatchery

The Berkshire National Fish Hatchery allows visitors to learn about fish breeding and stocking of lakes on a 148-acre property along the Konkapot River. The primary mission of the hatchery is to restore Seneca Lake-strain trout to the Great Lakes while also providing native brook trout to local streams to support fishing and recreational opportunities. Visitors can fish at the property along the Konkapot or within the hatchery's Outreach Pond. Anglers should expect to find brook, rainbow, and brown trout in the river, while the pond primarily contains brook trout.

The Outreach Pond is one of the most newcomer- and kid-friendly fishing areas in Western Massachusetts. The water is stocked to the brim with trout, so even novices succeed in reeling in multiple fish with ease. Friendly on-site staff assist anglers with any questions or issues, and they are great educational resources for those looking to learn more about fish hatcheries and their role in creating a vibrant aquatic ecosystem throughout the United States. Additionally, the hatchery building contains a small educational exhibition, and visitors are welcome to roam around the property and peek into the fish igloos.

A network of hiking trails traverses nearby forests, offering visitors additional recreational opportunities. The trails are short and range from easy to moderate. The Red and Upper Trails climb a couple hundred feet to views of a unique geologic kettle. The Nature Trail, Shelby Loop, and Kettle Trail are leisurely walks at the lower elevations of the property that offer excellent wildlife viewing and birding opportunities in the dense forest surrounding the Outreach Pond. These trails are commonly used in the winter for snowshoeing and tracking animal footprints.

As the only fish hatchery in the Berkshires, the Berkshire National Fish Hatchery is a treasured site that connects visitors to the outdoors with numerous recreational and educational activities. Visitors are encouraged to combine multiple activities into their trip, as they are all easily accessible from the parking lot and require no prior planning. For official events and workshops, please check the hatchery's website.