Located one-half mile north of the hamlet of Hartsville, the Berkshire National Fish Hatchery (or the Hatchery to locals) was established along the Konkapot River in the late nineteenth century by Dr. Samuel Camp. Dr. Camp designed the Hatchery to be a place where he could entertain his friends “on the fat of his own land.” He selected the site for its immediate proximity to the spring at the base of the mountain that flowed through a 10-inch pipe and ran a cool 48 degrees year-round.
Much of Dr. Camp’s original vision and structure remains today. The Berkshire National Fish Hatchery is situated on 148 acres of forested land that is the source of a pristine aquifer, supplying 200 gallons per minute of the pure Oxygen-rich water trout love through various pools. We raise brook trout for local recreation and educational programs throughout Berkshire County. Our woodland trails that surround the aquifer are home to many diverse species of wildlife, making the Hatchery a special place for learning about not only fish culture, but also about the natural history of the Berkshires.