KEYSTONE HATCHERIES

The Robinson family owns the Hatcheries.  According to Mike Robinson, the family has “been in the fish business since Grandpa started it in 1940.”   In addition to the Keystone Hatcheries, the Robinson family owns Robinson Wholesale, Inc. in Genoa City, which is a live bait & fishing tackle distributor for the Midwestern United States.

Fish Ponds

There are 8 outdoor fish ponds that hold a variety of fish in different sizes.  Robinson says, “When we began the Keystone Hatcheries, we catered to game fish and pan fish.  However, in the late 90s the water garden business really started to take off so we began raising Koi.”

Koi are ornamental domestic carp that come in many colors with tail and fin variations and grow quite large.  Keystone Hatcheries has many sizes and colors of koi, as well as goldfish and game fish.   Robinson states, “Koi can live for 30 to 60 years, but they more commonly die at a younger age due to owner mishandling or predation.  The oldest Koi ever supposedly reached an age of 226 years in Japan.  Goldfish typically live for 6 to 8 years, but can reach 30 years or so in rare instances.”

Barn Houses Fish Tanks

Those who visit the Hatchery will find the barn interior has been turned into nearly a hundred fish tanks.  Each tank has a unique group of fish, divided by type, size and quality.  The fish are for sale. The fish are priced based on type and size.  Koi begin at $9 for a 4-6” fish.  Game fish for stocking fishing ponds are available in bulk.

The entry section of the barn serves as a store for fish food and supplies and some pond chemicals and equipment.  Keystone Hatcheries has an on-line and print catalogue with thousands of products for ponds and fish keeping.  Although they do not build ponds, they will make referrals to local professionals who can assist interested homeowners create the pond of their dreams.

Water Plants

Two additional outdoor ponds display water lilies and other water plants.  When a customer picks a particular water plant, Robinson dons waders to retrieve the choices.

A greenhouse holds water plants and a tank of tadpoles.  The water plants include water hyacinth, water lettuce, water poppy, some hardy and tropical plants, and many more.

Robinson says, “Winter-hardy water lilies will survive the winter provided they are kept submersed in water at the bottom of the pond and not encased in ice.”   However, the tropical water lilies will not make it through our winters.   For those who want to preserve them for the next summer, Robinson suggests, “Bring them in and keep them growing through the winter in a tub indoors with natural lighting or a grow-light, and a little luck!”

Robinson and his staff are on hand to expertly answer questions about the care of fish and assist you in choosing appropriate fish and plants for your pond needs.  The Keystone Hatcheries is open through September at 11409 Keystone Road in Richmond, from Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4 pm and Saturdays, 9am to 1 pm.  For more information, see them on the web at: www.keystonehatcheries.com, or call 815-678-2537.