We try to keep everything as natural as possible. Angelone has re-written the specifications for the fish's food. Most of the protein, for example, comes from fish meal, rather than soy. Fish meal is better for the trout, and it makes their flesh taste better, but they're still not like a native, Angelone says. The Lafayette Hatchery continues to grow, Angelone says.
Plans are in the works to add an educational and conference center and a new laboratory.
Also, the number of tanks for newly hatched trout will increase from eight to more than 30. After improvements are completed at the Carolina facility in two years, the state will produce more than 250,000 trout as well as salmon. Angelone says the state is re-evaluating its salmon program. The biologist says the state may place more emphasis on landlocked salmon, a strain that anglers would benefit from. The state's fish hatcheries are supported by receipts from fishing licenses, sales of trout stamps, and a 10 percent federal tax on fishing tackle and motorboat fuel.