Kurtz Fish Hatchery is a leader among fish hatcheries, and owner Richard A. Kurtz is well known for his general knowledge of the industry. Located in Chester County in southeastern Pennsylvania, Kurtz Fish Hatchery specializes in raising fish for the sport market. This hatchery is licensed to produce the following sport fish: Bass (Hybrid Striped, Largemouth), Channel Catfish, Crayfish, American Eel, Common Goldfish, Fathead and Pinky Minnows, Mussels, Golden Sunfish, Sunfish with pumpkin seeds, tadpoles and rainbow trout. He is one of fourteen approved dealers who have received permits from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission to import, transport and sell triploid grass carp in the state. Triploid grass carp is used for low-cost, herbicide-free aquatic weed control in ponds and lakes, imported from Asia and genetically altered in hatcheries to prevent fish from spawning.
Pennsylvania fish farmers farm more than twenty species of sport fish. Two-thirds of Pennsylvania’s $15 million in farmed fish is used for the sport fish population. Probably the most widely distributed and popular warm water sport fish in southeastern Pennsylvania is the Largemouth Bass. Hybrid Striped Bass does well in ponds, grows quickly in ponds, and is becoming popular as a sport fish.
One of the reasons Kurtz Fish Hatchery is an industry leader is excellence in fish and pond management. Pond management is becoming increasingly important and requires specialized techniques to heat Pennsylvania’s waters. Small ponds are best for a limited number of game fish species: bass, sunfish, and catfish. Lake fish (Pike, Muskellunge, and Walleye) do not do well in a small pond. Most of the warm shallow ponds in southeastern Pennsylvania will not support trout, because the water temperature is too warm, resulting in a lack of oxygen.
Ponds must be carefully managed with respect to plant density. Too much density in aquatic plant beds will stunt Sunfish and reduce the effectiveness of Largemouth Bass as a Bluegill population control. There is a delicate balance between the two populations that must be maintained. Large amounts of decaying material left in the pond can also deplete oxygen.
Farmed fish are raised in conditions that give them plenty of room to move and develop their muscles as they grow. Several species are raised in pond conditions with limited artificial food added to their diet. This means better survival and vitality after planting. If not handled properly, the result will be stunted sunfish and undersized largemouth bass. There is a need for a proper bass to sunfish ratio, or overpopulation will stunt the sunfish. Captured Bluegills should never be returned to ponds due to their ability to breed and populate ponds.
Extensive and detailed knowledge of fish farming and pond management is what makes Kurtz Fish Hatchery a reliable and resourceful dealer in southeastern Pennsylvania. For additional information or if you have unanswered questions, please contact the company directly.
Kurtz Fish Hatchery
161 Isabella Rd
Elverson, Pennsylvania 19520
(610) 286-9250
