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The Bowens Mill Fish Hatchery is currently undergoing a much-needed renovation with plans to be completed in time to prepare for the 2026 spring fish production season. The hatchery's ponds, originally constructed in 1934, have not had a major renovation in more than 50 years. Construction crews have removed most of the pond sediments and muck that have accumulated over the years and have begun lining some of the pond dikes with a clay liner. In addition to pond renovations, a new fish holding house will be constructed that will eventually include an indoor recirculating system to accommodate indoor culture of some fish species.
Bowens Mill Hatchery is located just south of the Wilcox/Ben Hill line in Ben Hill County. It is located 10 miles north of Fitzgerald on U.S. Highway 129.
The hatchery raises hybrid bass, striped bass, largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish (shellcracker), and channel catfish for stocking into public reservoirs. Some channel catfish are grown to catchable size for stocking into PFAs and for kids fishing events. Some largemouth bass are raised to a larger size for stocking into north Georgia reservoirs where survival of larval bass has been unsuccessful.
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