The ladies of Artemis GA and Georgia Becoming an Outdoors Woman will be joining forces to help McDuffie Hatchery with producing catfish eggs and fry to help meet the quota for the state hatchery system.  This is a unique opportunity to work alongside the Fishery Technicians of McDuffie Warm Water Fish Hatchery for a day of sexing catfish, pairing males and females, checking for eggs, and taking care of catfish fry.  

Located in McDuffie County, this warmwater hatchery raises multiple fish species.  In May, the hatchery will be focused on channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) and striped bass (Morone saxatilis, or “striper”) production for stocking in public waters. Some channel cats are grown to catchable size for kids fishing events and stocking PFAs. McDuffie Hatchery is located in McDuffie County.  The central region of Georgia and part of Georgia’s upper coastal plain.

Participants will also have access to McDuffie PFA, which offers anglers 7 ponds ranging in size from 5 to 37 acres. Fishing ponds are stocked with Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, and Redear Sunfish.  

Optional camping is available on the McDuffie property.  There are hotels in nearby Thomson, Harlem, and Wrens.  Participants are welcome to hang out for a day or two and enjoy the many amenities offered by McDuffie PFA and the McDuffie Environmental Education Center.  Bring along your kayak for some kayak fishing Wednesday evening, or fish from the bank or one of the fishing docks at the different public fishing ponds. 

This is a work day, not a spectator event.  We are going to get dirty!  Due to the muddy/boggy areas we will be working in, every participant must bring their own pair of waders to wear.

Additionally, this event carries some physical requirements.  Participants must be able to lift 30 pounds and be able to walk/hike 1-2 miles across uneven terrain.  We will be handling live fish in a potentially hazardous setting of thick mud and bogs that may be difficult to maneuver.  As such, the ability to understand and follow verbal and nonverbal instructions related to physical activities is a must.

If you have any known allergies please come prepared. 

For property access, one of the following passes is required: A Georgia Fishing License or Land Use Pass.  A fishing license is required to fish.  Licenses and Permits can be purchased on http://gooutdoorsgeorgia.com/ or via the Outdoors GA app.

McDuffie Warm Water Fish Hatchery,  McDuffie PFA and the McDuffie Environmental Education Center are located at 4695 Fish Hatchery Road SE, Dearing, GA 30808 (GPS Coordinates N 33.37779, W -82.4246). DNR Region 3 Office Thomson Office 706-595-1619, Area Manager Chalisa Fabillar 706-699-1370. 

From Thomson: South on Highway 17 to US Highway 278; left (east) for 5.6 miles; right on Ellington Airline Road for 2.8 miles; right on Fish Hatchery Road for 0.8 miles.