Jones Lake Management fish delivery truck parked at St. Marys State Fish Hatchery, delivering fathead minnows for sportfish production.

Jones Lake Management is proud to play a behind-the-scenes role in supporting Ohio’s public fisheries. One way we do that? By delivering fathead minnows to the St. Marys State Fish Hatchery, where they serve as a vital food source for young sportfish like saugeye, walleye, and catfish.

These minnows may be small, but they make a big impact. As hatchery-raised fish grow and prepare for release into lakes and rivers across the state, a steady, reliable source of high-quality forage is essential—and that’s where we come in.

“We're incredibly grateful for our longstanding partnership with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources,” said Jessica Montgomery, Fish Delivery Logistics Manager at Jones Lake Management. “Our team is proud to support the work being done at St. Marys and across the state to strengthen public fisheries and ensure our communities can enjoy great fishing for years to come!" 

Rearing tanks at the St. Marys State Fish Hatchery are used before fry are stocked out into grow ponds
Fish are hand-reared at the St. Marys state hatchery

Images courtesy of St. Marys State Fish Hatchery

Located on the eastern shore of Grand Lake St. Marys, the hatchery is one of several operated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife. Together, these facilities help stock millions of fish into Ohio’s public waters each year—boosting biodiversity, strengthening local ecosystems, and supporting recreational angling for generations to come.

This ongoing partnership is a great example of how private suppliers and public agencies can work together to support healthy water resources across the region. At Jones Lake Management, we’re honored to be a small part of a much bigger mission.

You can learn more about the St. Marys State Fish Hatchery and their 2024 fish production numbers here