Welcome to the Orangeburg National Fish Hatchery

Celebrating a Century of Fisheries Conservation

Established in 1911, the Orangeburg National Fish Hatchery is dedicated to supporting the conservation, protection and enhancement of endangered and recreational fish species and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. It is part of a network of more than 70 federal fish hatcheries located across the country that help make up the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Fish Hatchery System. The hatchery works in collaboration with a wide variety of partners including other federal and state natural resource agencies, local governments, universities, landowners, community organizations and others.

Fish Production

The next time you go fishing in the Southeast, you might just catch a fish that was raised at the Orangeburg National Fish Hatchery. Since 1871, National Fish Hatcheries have been the primary asset in responding to conservation challenges. Producing fish continues to be an irreplaceable tool in managing or restoring fisheries, be they non-game or game fish species. Hatcheries complement habitat conservation. In doing so, we help provide recreation opportunities to America’s 34 million anglers who spend $36 billion annually in pursuit of their favored pastime. Read more about the Economic Value of Fisheries Conservation.

The Orangeburg National Fish Hatchery produces a variety of warm-water freshwater fish, including: striped bass (South Carolina’s state fish), redbreast sunfish, American shad, and lake sturgeon. The fish are stocked annually in reservoirs, lakes, rivers and coastal streams across the Southeast United States. In addition to fish, the hatchery also has a production program for the critically endangered Carolina heelsplitter mussel. Read more about our fish species.

Recreation and Education

In addition to fish production, the Orangeburg National Fish Hatchery works to help connect people to nature through education and outdoor recreation opportunities. The hatchery provides educational tours and special fishing days, participates in career fares and community events and hosts a wide variety of visitors at its facilities every day.

Facilities

Orangeburg National Fish Hatchery consists of two units, the Orangeburg main station and the Orangeburg substation. The main station includes the hatchery offices, educational aquarium center, outdoor recreation and education area, and indoor and outdoor fish production facilities. The substation is also used for fish production and includes a 100-acre reservoir for boating and fishing, as well as walking trails that offer great opportunities for birding and outdoor recreation.

Main Station

427 Lakeview Drive, Hwy 21 Bypass
Orangeburg, SC 29115

Substation

Fish Hatchery Road
Cordova, SC 29039

Visiting Hours

8:00 AM to 3:30 PM Monday through Friday. Weekend and special group tours of the hatchery can be arranged by contacting the hatchery office during standard business hours.