Striped and Sunshine bass stocking activities for 1999 through 2001. Between two million and four million fishes are distributed every year to over 100 lakes and half a dozen rivers by technicians of Richloam Fish Hatchery. Each release is done on the premise that it is socially and biologically justified, and better fishing will result. Blessed with good water and soils, Richloam ranks among the most productive fish hatcheries of its size in the United States. It is Florida's principle supplier of hatchery produced fishes to public waters throughout the state.
Sport fishes are the species predominately cultivated.
Physical Attributes And Visitation Revenues from fishing licenses paid for construction and has funded annual operation. On three occasions, the Legislature appropriated general revenues to build expansions. The hatchery is located in Sumter County on the east side of Highway 471 about 11 miles south of Webster. It lies near the center of Richloam Wildlife Management Area, a tract of the Withlacoochee State Forest managed by the Division of Forestry for aquifer and stream recharge, timber production, wildlife conservation, and public recreation. About one-fourth the area consists of preserved cypress swamps.