we are redefining “farm-raised”
Other hatcheries raise fish indoors in plastic pools, fed recycled water with aerators under fluorescent lighting.
We are not other hatcheries.
the highest quality trout in the state of Virginia.
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All of our trout are grown and raised in the fresh mountain spring mineral water that comes out of the rocks only meters away from the hatchery building. The water that comes from this limestone aquifer has a natural pH of 8 and flows at about 3,000 gallons/minute.
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Because the ecosystem of the stream is extremely healthy, there are a lot of naturally occurring bugs and vertebrates that grow in the water that the fish feed on.
In addition to bug food that naturally occurs in the ponds and water, we feed our fish the best quality feed we have been able to find thus far. This feed is 65% protein and fat from ocean-based fish products. There is a 4% grain fiber included, which is the lowest grain fiber feed we have been able to source. The last 30% is plant products and trace minerals to ensure a balanced nutrient make-up.
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The raceways, ponds, and fish are never treated with chemicals or antibiotics. Instead, they are carefully moved frequently and are stocked in lower densities so that they grow naturally and healthily.
our commitment to Sustainability
Our ponds and raceways are gravity-fed by a limestone aquifer that runs at 3,000 gallons a minute, eliminating the need to use pumps or electricity. Our hatchery aims to protect and benefit the environment while supporting the conservation of wild trout populations, which are dwindling in America’s streams.
LEarning how to operate a 1930’s trout hatchery
spring-raised trout boxes
The closest thing you can get to stream-caught trout without the negative environmental impact of pulling them from the wild.
Michelin-Quality
At Smoke in Chimneys, we take great pride in supplying our spring-raised trout to some of the East Coast's most distinguished restaurants—including multiple Michelin Star establishments—from our home state of Virginia to D.C. and around the Mid-Atlantic.
Smoke In Chimneys trout is a delicate fish that has a mild but clean flavor with nutty and buttery notes, making it the perfect canvas for variety of creations.
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