The Franklin Club Hatchery
A Legacy of Conservation & Exceptional Fishing
At The Franklin Club, our private hatchery is at the heart of the fishing experience. For more than a century, the Club has raised and cared for its own trout, supporting a private fishery known for quality, care, and year round enjoyment.
Each year, more than 10,000 rainbow trout and brook trout are stocked through the Club’s hatchery program. Members of all ages are encouraged to tour the hatchery, learn about the stages of trout growth, and see firsthand how these fish become part of the waters they enjoy.
For families, young anglers, and lifelong fishermen alike, the hatchery offers a closer connection to the fishery and a deeper appreciation for the care behind every cast.
The hatchery is proudly dedicated to Jim Oosterbroek, a long time Franklin Club member whose involvement, care and commitment helped support this important part of the Club’s fishery. His contributions remain part of the hatchery’s story and reflect the member driven spirit that has helped sustain The Franklin Club for generations.
A Tradition More Than a Century in the Making
The Franklin Club hatchery is one of the defining features of our private fishing experience. For generations, it has helped support the waters our members fish, creating a tradition built on knowledge, stewardship, and a respect for trout fishing.
Rather than relying entirely on outside stocking, the Club raises its own fish through a carefully managed hatchery program. This gives The Franklin Club a deeper connection to the fishery and allows us to maintain a high standard of quality from the hatchery to the water.
It is seemingly a quiet part of the Club, but one of the most important.
Stewardship Behind a Premium Fishing Experience
A premium fishing experience does not happen by chance. It is the result of thoughtful fishery management, healthy habitat, careful stocking, and a long standing commitment to the water.
The hatchery plays a direct role in that experience. By raising rainbow trout and brook trout on site, The Franklin Club supports a fishery that is consistent, intentional, and closely connected to the natural setting of the property.
Members experience the result every time they fish. From a rising trout to a strong fight at the end of the line, the hatchery helps shape the quality and character of fishing at the Club.
Raising Rainbow Trout & Brook Trout
At The Franklin Club, conservation is a priority. Our hatchery raises two of Ontario’s most admired trout species: rainbow trout and brook trout.
Rainbow trout are one of the most exciting fish to pursue at The Franklin Club. Known for their strength, speed, and spirited fight, they bring energy to the water and reward anglers with a memorable experience from the first take to the final net.
Brook trout are among the most admired freshwater fish in Ontario. Celebrated for their striking colour, natural beauty, and connection to classic cold water fishing, a brook trout feels like a true prize in hand and a meaningful part of the Club’s angling tradition.
Both species are carefully raised within the Club’s hatchery program before being introduced into our private waters. For members, this means fishing in a place where the experience is shaped with care from the very beginning.
From Hatchery to Clubs Private Waters
Inside The Franklin Club hatchery, trout move through carefully managed stages of growth before becoming part of the Club’s private fishery. The process begins with eggs and continues as young trout develop into fry, fingerlings, and strong, well developed fish ready for the Club’s waters.
Some of our trout spend several years in the hatchery, depending on their role within the program. A key part of this is the Club’s brood stock, made up of mature rainbow trout and brook trout that help support the next generation of fish. Some of the larger brood stock can reach up to 5+ years of age, continuing a hatchery tradition that has been part of The Franklin Club for more than a century.
Once released into the Club’s private waters, the trout become part of the natural ecosystem. From there, they feed, grow, and develop naturally, supported by the habitat and nourishment found throughout the Club’s lakes and ponds.
This connection between hatchery care and natural growth is one of the reasons the fishing experience at The Franklin Club feels so distinct and rewarding.
The Franklin Club Featured Hatchery Videos
The Franklin Club hatchery is more than just a stocking program. It is a living part of the Club’s fishing tradition and a defining piece of the member experience. Watch the video for a closer look at how rainbow trout and brook trout are raised at the Club, and how the hatchery continues to support our waters, our members, and our long standing fishing tradition.
Inside The Franklin Club's Rainbow & Brook Trout Hatchery
Watch a short promo video we created about The Franklin Club’s hatchery, showcasing the care and attention that goes into raising and stocking its own rainbow and brook trout.
Fish'n Canada's In-depth Interview with Our Hatchery
Ang and Pete join Chad Davenport, Hatchery and Grounds Manager, for a behind the scenes look at how The Franklin Club raises and stocks its own rainbow and brook trout.