CITY PHOTO - The Buford Hatchery

The Street Sign


Photographed 4/06


A street sign lets you know you're at the Buford Trout hatchery. The Buford hatchery is one of several through out the state run by the DNR (Department of Natural Resources). There function is to stock the public lakes and waterways with fish for anglers to enjoy.
Information Board



Photographed 4/06


The Buford Hatchery sits on 38 acres adjacent to the Chattahoochee River about a mile downstream from the dam on Lake Lanier. The hatchery grounds are open to the public and tours are given every Sunday at 1 pm.
The Trout Runs


Photographed 4/06

This is one of the trout runs. The hatchery raises about one million trout per cycle. These fish range in size from fingerling to legal sized keepers and even a few of the trophy size (10 lbs) for release into the Trout Waters of Georgia.


Electric Fences Surrounding the Runs


Photographed 4/06

The trout runs have electric fences around them to discourage raccoons and opossums from turning them into open fish markets.





The Trout


Photographed 4/06


The type of trout raised by this hatchery are Rainbow, Brown and Brook. The brown are the only trout thought to be native to Georgia streams. The Rainbow and to a lesser extent the Brown have flourished in the colder Trout Waters of Georgia. Freshly caught trout make a great meal.
Wildlife Observation Areas

Photographed 4/06


With its location next to the river and the Family Fishing Pond, which is a beaver built pond, there are many chances to spot local wildlife and migratory birds. It's a favorite location for hawks in the area. There are several walking trails on the property for visitors to enjoy.