Belknap County Conservation live trout fundraiser is online

For the first time, the Belknap County Conservation District is offering its annual trout sale fundraiser both online and by mail. Visit belknapccd.org/live-trout-sale to select rainbow or brook trout in 6-8 inch or 10-12 inch size and purchase online. Fish food is also available for purchase.

These fish are raised in a New Hampshire hatchery and are disease free. By ordering this spring trout can adjust to a pond over the summer, and grow to become a tasty feast for the family. Some general guidelines for stocking a pond:

• A ¼ acre pond with a depth of 8 feet that is full all summer with fresh water may support 100 fish.

• Brook trout need cold water, approximately 45° to 60° F.

• Rainbow trout tolerate warmer temperatures.

• Best pH range is 6 to 9 (brook trout OK at lower end of range, rainbow okay at higher end of range.

• The cleaner the water the better.

• Use of floating trout feed is recommended, especially for newer ponds.

• New ponds should not be stocked until 1 year after construction.

• Mixing of rainbow and brook trout is not recommended.

• Place a screen at the pond’s outlet to prevent trout from escaping.

With questions or for a hardcopy of the fundraiser information, contact Lisa Morin, BCCD program coordinator, at 603-527-5880 or belknapconservation@gmail.com.

The 6-8 inch size trout will be ready for pickup on Sunday, May 1 from noon to 12:30 p.m. at Picnic Rock Farm, 85 Daniel Webster Hwy, Meredith. The 10-12 inch size trout will be delivered sometime in later April or early May.

This annual sale is a fundraiser for BCCD and purchases go toward support of local conservation efforts in Belknap County. All programs and services are offered without discrimination.