Infotrip FERM 2025 | “La Poalele Călimanilor” Trout Farm – Tradition, Family, and Gastronomy in the Heart of Bucovina

During this year’s edition of the Moldova Regional Economic Forum (FERM 2025), held from July 9 to 13 in Vatra Dornei, participants had the opportunity to discover some of the most representative destinations of the Dornelor Basin.

One of the highlights of the Infotrip program was the visit to “La Poalele Călimanilor” Trout Farm, a family business run by Andrei Lemnaru, located in Gura Haitii, Șaru Dornei.

Participants:

Andrei Lemnaru – founder of ”La Poalele Călimanelor”, Gura Haitii

A Family Business with Deep Roots

The trout farm is managed by Andrei Lemnaru together with his wife and two staff members dedicated to the kitchen. It is a small business, but with special attention to quality and authenticity. Visitors can enjoy fresh trout dishes served on the local terrace, as well as at a small attached guesthouse.

“We aim to satisfy food lovers who come and enjoy all kinds of dishes, explains Andrei Lemnaru, the owner of the business.”

From Fry to Market-Ready Trout: Technology and Tradition

The trout farm operates eight large tanks, each measuring 21 m x 2.5 m, where trout are raised through various stages, from fry to market-ready size. Additionally, there are three tanks on the hill dedicated to broodstock and sturgeons.

Due to temperature fluctuations of the spring water used, natural reproduction is not feasible in the long term.

“In the morning the water is 4 degrees, in the evening 18 or 12, while the eggs require a constant temperature of 8 degrees. For this reason, we gave up local reproduction and collaborate with an incubation station in Bistrița, where the environment is controlled and the water is clean, sourced from groundwater.”

The process involves milking the broodstock, fertilizing the eggs, and transporting them to Bistrița for incubation under optimal conditions. Afterwards, the resulting fry is brought back to Șaru Dornei for growth until maturity and sale.

Local Gastronomy and Artisan Products

In addition to raising trout, the farm emphasizes tourists’ culinary experience. Dishes are served on the terrace, and Andrei Lemnaru takes pride in the artisanal products.

“Trout fat is excellent, preserves well in oil-free spreads, and is very flavorful. The taste is incredible, and although the cost is higher, the value of the flavor compensates”

Besides serving dishes, the farm also sells fry at various stages, supplying both local consumers and business partners. Regarding accommodation, the farm collaborates with local guesthouses, offering tourists flexible lodging options.

Tourism Impact and Local Business Sustainability

Andrei Lemnaru emphasizes that the success of the business depends not only on infrastructure or accommodation capacity but also on the interest of tourists and their willingness to support the local economy.

“The problem is not the place to stay, but to attract tourists and ensure they spend money. Everything starts with money, whether we admit it or not.”

The visit to the trout farm offered FERM 2025 participants a clear view of how tradition, technology, and family entrepreneurship can coexist and generate economic and cultural value for the Moldova region.

Conclusion

The visit to “La Poalele Călimanilor” Trout Farm perfectly illustrated the spirit of FERM 2025: a combination of tradition, innovation, and local entrepreneurship that contributes to the economic and tourist development of the Moldova region. Small businesses, managed with passion and professionalism, can transform local resources into authentic experiences for tourists and high-quality products, thus creating sustainable economic value.

Moreover, the trout farm example shows that strategic partnerships, such as collaboration with modern incubation stations, can overcome natural and climatic challenges, thereby strengthening the sustainability of local businesses and the tourist appeal of the entire area.