Trout have been raised in the United States for about 150 years. Initially, trout were raised to replace wild stocks that were declining because of over fishing, loss of habitat and pollution. United States trout farming began in the North Central Region with the establishment of Ackley’s Farm near Cleveland, OH. This farm was run by Theodatus Garlick, M.D., and H.A. Ackley, M.D., who developed ways to spawn brook trout and incubate the eggs in glass jars. Today, trout are still raised in the North Central Region in state, federal and private fish farms to stock lakes, ponds and streams. Trout are also raised and sold through fee fishing operations and as food fish through restaurants and supermarkets. Rainbow trout are the most commonly raised trout followed by brook and brown trout. Private commercial trout farms range from small owner/operator farms to large farms with many employees
