L.P. Dutton Trout Hatchery - NSW

Dutton Trout Hatchery is located on 10 acres along the beautiful Serpentine River, just 75km east of Armidale and 125km west of Coffs Harbour. The hatchery is one of two NSW Government facilities for breeding and rearing premier cold water sport fish. It has operated for over fifty years due to the NSW Government’s commitment to recreational angling and the growing popularity of trout fishing.Dutton produces two fish species: Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout. The fish are bred from hatchery broodstock and grown out to fry (small fish), when they are released into selected cold water public rivers and lakes of NSW. Both rainbow and brown trout are bred for release into public waterways in the New England and Central Tablelands and Southern Highlands with 2 million fish bred annually. Trout may be caught in the wild on flies, lures and baits.In addition to producing stock for recreational fishers and the aquaculture industry, the hatchery provides community and tourist education and local employment. The site provides educational tours for school groups and the general public; including, fishing clinics and promoting freshwater fishing.The site consists of a tourist complex, hatchery recirculation shed for adult broodstock, 2 cottages, machinery sheds, 5 earthen ponds and a 50 megalitre water storage dam.Smoked trout on offer as well as guided tours open 9am-3pm everyday.