- 359 Fish Hatchery Road, Montebello, VA 24464
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Phone: 540-377-2418
- Map & Directions
- Hatchery Manager: Greyson Wootten
The Fish
Unlike the other DWR hatcheries, Montebello does not hatch any fish, but it plays an essential role as a rearing station for young fish. DWR brings fingerling brook, brown, and rainbow trout that were hatched at DWR cold-water hatcheries to Montebello. These fish are grown until they are large enough to be stocked into waters on the east side of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Montebello stocks 23 rivers and lakes from Amherst County northward to Fairfax County in addition to six lakes and ponds and one stream in urban localities. Montebello normally stocks 100,000 to 150,000 trout per year.
Background
Located in western Nelson County, the hatchery is on the eastern crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. One of the first state-run hatcheries in Virginia, Montebello was built around 1930. It was privately owned by the Seaman family and leased to the state until the late 1960s, when it was sold to DWR.
Montebello Fish Hatchery is spring fed, with pumping capabilities from the creek below the facility when surplus water is needed. The original facility had earthen raceways with wooden (mostly American chestnut) sides and ends. Later, in the early 1950s, the earthen and wooden raceways were replaced by concrete raceways in a single row. This design needs less water to operate.
Public Access
Montebello Fish Hatchery is open seven days a week 8:00 a.m. through 3:00 p.m. from April 1 through October 31. From November 1 through March 31, weekend hours change to 8:00–11:00 a.m. The hatchery hosts numerous visitors and school group tours throughout the year. In addition to trout, there is a nature trail and pollinator plots located on the property. Spy Rock, a scenic view off the Appalachian Trail, and Crabtree Falls are popular hiking destinations nearby.