| Kurtz Fish Hatchery is a leader among fish | | | | ponds are best for a limited number of game fish |
| hatcheries, and owner Richard A. Kurtz is well | | | | species: Bass, Sunfish and Catfish. Lake fish (Pike, |
| known for his overall knowledge of the industry. | | | | Muskellunge and Walleye) do not do well in a small |
| Located in Chester County, in southeastern | | | | pond setting. Most warm shallow ponds in |
| Pennsylvania, Kurtz Fish Hatchery specializes in | | | | southeastern Pennsylvania will not support Trout, |
| raising fish for the sports market. This hatchery is | | | | because the water temperatures are too warm, |
| licensed to produce the following sport fish: Bass | | | | resulting in a lack of oxygen. |
| (Hybrid Striped, Largemouth), Channel Catfish, | | | | Ponds need to be carefully managed with respect |
| Crayfish, American Eel, Common Goldfish, Fathead | | | | to plant density. Too much density in aquatic plant |
| and Rosey Red Minnows, Mussels, Golden Shiner, | | | | beds will stunt Sunfish, and reduce the |
| Pumpkinseed Sunfish, Tadpoles, and Rainbow | | | | effectiveness of Largemouth Bass as population |
| Trout. It is one of fourteen approved dealers that | | | | controls on Bluegill. There is a delicate balance |
| have received permits from the Pennsylvania Fish | | | | between the two populations that needs to be |
| and Boat Commission to import, transport, and | | | | maintained. Large amounts of decomposing |
| sell Triploid Grass Carp in the state. The Triploid | | | | material left in the pond can also deplete oxygen. |
| Grass Carp is used for low cost, herbicide free, | | | | Farm raised fish are grown under conditions that |
| aquatic weed control in ponds and lakes, is | | | | give them plenty of space to move and develop |
| imported from Asia, and is genetically altered at | | | | their muscles as they grow. Several species are |
| hatcheries to prevent the fish from spawning. | | | | raised in pond conditions with limited artificial food |
| Pennsylvania fish farmers grow over twenty | | | | added to their diet. This means better survival |
| species of sport fish. Two-thirds of Pennsylvania's | | | | and vitality after stocking. If not handled properly, |
| $15 million worth of farmed fish are used for | | | | a result will be stunted Sunfish and undersized |
| sports fish stocking. Probably the most widely | | | | Largemouth Bass. There is a need for a proper |
| distributed and popular warm water sport fish in | | | | ratio of Bass to Sunfish, or overpopulation will |
| southeast Pennsylvania is the Largemouth Bass. | | | | stunt the Sunfish. Caught Bluegills should never be |
| The Hybrid Striped Bass do well in ponds, grow | | | | returned to ponds because of their ability to |
| quickly in ponds, and are becoming popular as | | | | reproduce and crowd the ponds. |
| sport fish. | | | | Broad and detailed knowledge of both fish farming |
| One reason Kurtz Fish Hatchery is a leader in the | | | | and pond management are what make Kurtz Fish |
| industry is excellence in fish and pond | | | | Hatchery a reliable and resourceful dealer in |
| management. Pond management is increasingly | | | | southeastern Pennsylvania. For additional |
| more important and requires specialized | | | | information or if you have questions unanswered, |
| techniques for warmer Pennsylvania waters. Small | | | | please contact the business directly. |