Early in 1958, due to the tremendous demand for channel catfish fingerlings, the decision was made to construct a separate hatchery for the production of same. Several hatcheries were visited, and methods observed to determine those best suited for our use. Our aim for this hatchery was production in large numbers at minimum cost. Considerable time was spent at the experimental station at Tishomingo, Okla., where Mr. Kermit Snead was in charge. We felt the methods used at this station, though in the early stage, appeared to be most applicable for mass production. Thus the system of glass aquaria for spawning and troughs for hatching was put into use. By the use of the buffalo fish pituitaries and mamalian hormone, we hatched spawns of one-hundred-thirty-five pair of channel catfish from May 18th to June 28th, 1960.
