Greetings from Troutdale –

This year has flown by.  Our progress has been immense at the farm.  The middle set of production raceways have been fenced to protect from predators.   Of greatest concern were the blue heron that devastated our stock during the early spring and summer.  The third set of raceways have just been completed and fenced.  Currently Dennis is building the gates that will separate the trout.  We are looking forward to filling the raceways with water and stocking fish in their new home!

In the meantime, Vince and Tammy and Katheryn have continued to prepare fresh trout for our customers in Columbia and St. Louis.  The Columbia Farmers Market gives us the opportunity to sell directly to people who cook at home and appreciate the fresh, local products obtained from growers they know as friends.  Our customers there continue to give us encouragement by letting us know they value our labor and our product enough to support us, many on a weekly basis.  We thank them all!

There are also chefs in fine restaurants who seek out local producers.  Each one is unique in the dining experience they offer; but, we are confident of exceptional presentations of our trout by all of our discerning buyers.   Our goal is to continue to provide the best trout in the state of Missouri.

For the past two years we have noticed a definite decline in fishing at the farm.   We believe there are many reasons, including gas prices or competition for recreational dollars.  So we have decided that continuing the fee fishing operation at Troutdale is not the best use of resources.  Stocking the fishing area with trout that are not returned by fishermen for purchase is a loss of potential sale to a restaurant.  Too many times we saw trout caught but not kept and many fishermen were unwilling to support our farm by paying catch and release fees.  Troutdale has always offered fee fishing and we understand the historic impact of our decision.  In order to maintain the farm as a productive entity, we believe our focus must remain on a fair return for product. 

One thing is for sure, change will continue to occur.  We still offer fresh trout if you would like to purchase right from the farm.  Our new hours are 8:30 to 4:00 Monday through Friday and 9:00 to 12:00 Saturday.  We are open all year.  If you would like us to have your fish ready, just call ahead and we will prepare them as instructed.  Sometimes we carry frozen trout in our freezer that we offer at discount.  Inquire by phone if you have an interest in what is available.

Eat Local, Eat Well!

 Dennis & Merritt Van Landuyt

Business Locations:  
12726 Troutdale Lane Gravois Mills, Missouri 65037 
-- (573) 372-1900 
salmo@advertisnet.com 

Correspondence: 
14936 Sale Barn Road Versailles, Missouri 65084 
-- (573)-378-5565

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launched:  12-19-02