CROWN POINT, N.Y. (ABC22/FOX44) - The Essex County Fish Hatchery will close in 2026 after almost 100 years in operation. But for New York anglers, there's still a plan to keep local waterways stocked.

"The health of our fisheries is a top priority," said Joe Zalewski with the New York Department of Environmental Conversation (DEC). He said that the agency had worked with county officials to plan after the hatchery closes.

The hatchery has scaled down operations over the past several years as officials say it couldn't maintain the same level of fish stocking without causing too much pollution to meet modern standards.

“The decision to close the Essex County Fish Hatchery was not taken lightly," said Shaun Gillilland, chair of the Essex County Board of Supervisors. He said, however, that

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