Last year the Rocky River Trout Unlimited Chapter (RRTU) had a very successful trout learning program for students at Davidson Day School . They were able to take trout eggs, care for them, watch them hatch into “fry” and then grow into fingerlings. Later in the spring they released their pets at South Mountains State Park . RRTU is teaming up with Vickie Carbone from the Davidson Middle School to conduct the same program again this year.
On Tuesday September 29, Bill Thomas from RRTU and I took the trip from Charlotte to Marion NC where we joined up Vickie Carbone, and RRTU members Alan Baker and Jim Mabrey. Vickie was heading up a caravan that included about 25 students and some parents. As we continued the caravan to the Marion Coldwater Hatchery we could not help but enjoy the beautiful day and share in the excitement of the children.
When we arrived we met with David Deaton and Jacob Rash from the North Carolina Wildlife Commission who proved to be more than capable guides. Dave explained that it takes exactly 3 weeks for the eggs to hatch and fortunately, the Rainbow trout, eggs were hatching that very day. We were able to see the eggs hatching in one of the 8 concrete spillways located in the hatchery building. 
We had anticipated taking the eggs back to the Davidson Day School, but since they had already hatched we would be able to take the “fry” back to the school to start our project.
We had anticipated taking the eggs back to the Davidson Day School, but since they had already hatched we would be able to take the “fry” back to the school to start our project.
Also as a special treat, before we left the hatchery building, we were able to see a tiny egg, about the size of a small match head, viewed under a microscope and projected onto a monitor. In the photo below, the eyes are the large black objects. Above and to the right is the body of the rainbow trout and, while there, we were able to observe the spots.
What an awesome view of God’s miracle!
Dave gave us a super guided trip around the grounds including a hike to the ponds, all the while explaining the operation of the hatchery. At the water supply po
nd, the kids were screaming with delight as Dave picked up a turtle to show him off to the kids. Dave went on to explain why the water supply pond was completely devoid of fish, which did not seem reasonable to me, since I enjoy fishing in ponds. However, there is a very logical reason for keeping that pond fish free and I will comment on that and more in my next blog about the hatchery.
nd, the kids were screaming with delight as Dave picked up a turtle to show him off to the kids. Dave went on to explain why the water supply pond was completely devoid of fish, which did not seem reasonable to me, since I enjoy fishing in ponds. However, there is a very logical reason for keeping that pond fish free and I will comment on that and more in my next blog about the hatchery.