With over 60 years of coldwater fisheries research and management, our focus has always been the survival, growth and production of brook trout.
The fisheries program at Brandon originated from a reconnaissance survey by Cornell University in 1950, officially becoming the Adirondack Fish Research Program in 1957. Primary research focused on brook trout production studies and the survival of hatchery-reared brook trout (domestic strain), as it was felt these fish had developed a reduced capacity to survive in a natural habitat. In 1969, the Brandon Hatchery was constructed in order provide a reliable source of brook trout for ongoing studies.
By 1973, the studies conclusively showed under appropriate management conditions, wild strains outperformed domestic strains. More so, the results demonstrated when a hybrid was created between Canadian wild strains and the New York State domestic strain, these fish outperformed both parents.
By the spring of 1983, the research on wild, domestic, and hybrid strains was felt to be complete and the Cornell University directed fisheries program was terminated. Following the exit of Cornell from the program, fisheries work at Brandon continued under the leadership of privately hired employees with a primary focus on fisheries management.
The brook trout program at New Brandon continues with the same determination as those who came before us. The New Brandon Hatchery continues to raise the unique brook trout hybrid created as a result of the Adirondack Fish Research Program. Additionally, we raise both the Little Tupper strain and the New York State domestic strain. If you are looking for brook trout for conservation, restoration, or recreation related stocking, New Brandon Fisheries is sure to have a strain that will meet your needs.
Domestic x Temiscamie hybrid strain Brook trout
Our hybrid strain of brook trout is a cross between the New York State domestic strain and the Temiscamie strain, a wild strain originally sourced from the Temiscamie River, a tributary of Lake Mistassini in the Canadian province of Quebec. This hybrid strain of brook trout represents the culmination of 26 years of research by Cornell University in an attempt to breed a more resilient brook trout for use in fisheries management. Up until the time Cornell began their research, most stocking efforts in New York State were based around the use of the pure domestic strain brook trout. The results of the research clearly determined when a hybrid was created between a wild and a domestic strain, the offspring outperformed both parents and demonstrated both higher survival rates and faster rates of growth. The New Brandon Hatchery continues to breed this unique brook trout hybrid.
eggs
$0.05/egg with a minimum order of 5,000 eggs.
Due to natural variation in the catch rates of wild broodstock, availability of these eggs may be extremely limited.
Fish
Fall fingerlings (3.0” to 4.0” length) are $1.00/fish for orders of 499 fish or less, $0.95/fish for orders of 500 fish or more. Under ideal conditions, the average size can be expected to be between 7.0” and 9.0” by the fall of the following year.
Spring yearlings (7.0” to 9.0” length) are $3.00/fish. Rearing space in our hatchery is limited, so the availability of these fish is usually limited as well.
Additional Strains
Little Tupper Strain
Adirondack Heritage Strains are genetically distinct strains of brook trout that evolved in isolation over the last 20,000 years within specific bodies of water in the Adirondacks. Typically, the strain is named for the lake in which the strain was first identified. We have maintained a population of Little Tupper strain brook trout since 1991. Broodstock for this strain reside in a natural pond on our property in order to reduce the effects of domestication.
Fall fingerlings (3.0” to 4.0” length) are $1.00/fish for orders of 499 fish or less, $0.95/fish for orders of 500 fish or more.
Domestic Strain
This strain comprises one half of the Domestic X Temiscamie hybid strain bred at the New Brandon Hatchery. We raise the domestic strain primarily to be used as broodstock, but typically have an excess of one-year old fish. While New Brandon does not recommend the use of these fish in long-term conservation or restoration projects, they do make excellent fish for stocking in small ponds for recreational put-and-take angling.
Spring yearlings (4.0” to 6.0” length) are $2.00/fish. Numbers are limited and are reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Netting Surveys
New Brandon Fisheries uses modified Oneida-style trap nets with a 100-foot leader and a pair of 25-foot wings. This type of net is designed in a way which allows for minimum mortality to the fish in the sample. After the netting survey is completed, the data is analyzed and a written report of the findings is provided. Depending on the success of the survey, the collected data can help to determine the relative health and species composition of the fishery. This information can then be used to better inform management decisions such as angling regulations and stocking needs. The number of nets required for the survey will vary from one pond to the next, and is dependent on a variety of factors, including: pond size, shoreline characteristics, average depth, and tributary features. Each survey is tailored to the water body being surveyed and any specific requirements that the property owner may have.
Additional Services
Aquatic plant surveys
A visual survey of the water, carried out mid-summer, can usually determine the presence of most aquatic plants. Special emphasis is placed on determining the occurrence of non-native, invasive aquatic macrophytes such as Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum), variable-leaf watermilfoil (Myriophyllum heterophyllum), and curly-leaf pondweed (Potamogeton crispus).
water quality monitoring
Measurements are made on-site for water temperature and dissolved oxygen. Samples are drawn and later analyzed for pH and alkalinity. The resulting data can provide information on habitat suitability for different fish species. Additionally, samples can be drawn and analyzed for total phosphorus, nitrate and nitrite. These data can help determine pollution impacts to a water body.
How do I get my eggs or fish?
Delivery of eggs, fall fingerlings and spring yearlings is set at $1.75/mile, one-way. Personal pickup at our hatchery is also an option for smaller orders of eggs or fall fingerlings. Fingerlings are bagged with water and pure oxygen at an additional cost of $30.00/bag.
Eggs may be shipped, but when shipped over any distance, next-day air delivery is required and will often double the total cost. Additionally, there is a packaging and handling fee of $30.00/15,000 eggs.
Are your fish certified disease free?
Our hatchery is inspected annually to ensure that our fish are certified disease free. A fish health inspection report will be provided to you with your purchase. Our Certificate of Health allows for sales within New York State.
Regulations vary from state to state and, while our New York State inspection is accepted by many other states, there are often additional permits which may be required for shipping or delivery. When this situation arises, there may be additional fees involved and the timing of delivery may be impacted.
Do I need a stocking permit?
If you are stocking fish in New York State, the acquisition of a stocking permit from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is required and is the responsibility of the landowner. Further information about stocking permits is available at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/permits/25026.html.
For those who want to stock fish outside of New York State, you should contact the appropriate Department of Natural Resource within the state you will be stocking in for further information.
Brook trout will only inhabit areas of cold, clean, and well oxygenated water. They are intolerant of polluted or otherwise degraded habitat. They prefer water temperatures below 70 degrees Fahrenheit and dissolved oxygen levels of 5.0 ppm or greater.
Brook trout can have difficulty coexisting with other fish, and may lose out to competition and predation pressure from species like yellow perch and largemouth bass. However, every pond is unique and the situations within them are variable. As such, results my vary as well.
Will brook trout live in my pond?
There is no real easy answer to this question. In the waters that New Brandon manages, we have seen successful angling returns and netting survey results with stocking rates ranging between 10 to 60 fish per surface acre. The NYS DEC recommends 400 to 600 fish per surface acre when stocking small farm ponds (see: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7975.html).
The reality is every pond is different and stocking rates will vary depending on the conditions within your pond. Morphological characteristics (size, average depth, maximum depth), biological influences (water chemistry, presence of other fish species, availability of food), and physical impacts (angling pressure, removal rates) will all have an influence on overall stocking totals.
How many fish should I stock?
Location
29 Brandon Road
Paul Smiths, NY 12970
Phone
(518) 327-3534
Contact Us
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. If you would like to request fish, let us know and we will put you on our stocking list. Due to the variable nature incumbent in raising and selling live fish, our inventory is not guaranteed from one year to the next. As such, we operate on a first come, first serve basis. While we will do everything in our power to meet your order, your inclusion on the stocking list does not necessarily guarantee that we will have fish to sell you when the time comes. Thank you for your interest in New Brandon Fisheries and we look forward to hearing from you.