If you enjoy Missouri’s great sport fishing, you’ll appreciate the conservation that makes it possible. TheSport Fish Restoration Act, which places an excise tax on the manufacturer of fishing tackle and motor boat fuels, helps to fund Missouri’s fish hatcheries. These facilities produce the walleye, paddlefish, muskie and other species used to stock many of the 846lakes managed by the Conservation Department. Hatcheries also provide fingerling largemouth bass, bluegill and catfish for yearly stocking ofprivate impoundments. Missouri hatcheries not only support our state’s great fishing, they’re also fascinatingplaces to visit. Some feature visitor centers with displays, films and exhibits. All have tour schedules or will accept appointments for special tours.
TalkAboutPlacesToGoMissouri has a multitude of incredible natural places you can explore. Get started here the easy way. Send your comments and follow related links.
Missouri’s trout hatcheries are located at each of Missouri’s fourtrout parks and on Lake Taneycomo. They provide high-quality trout fishing on cold-water streams in Missouri. Trout Parks atBennett Spring State Park near Lebanon,Montauk State Park near Salem andRoaring River State Park near Cassville are operated in cooperation with the Department of Natural Resources.Maramec Spring Park near St. James stocks catchable-size trout nightly from March 1 through October 31. It is operated in conjunction with The James Foundation.Shepherd of the Hills Hatchery, Missouri’s largest trout hatchery, is located near the upper portion of Lake Taneycomo near Branson.
Missouri’s has five hatcheries that produce warm- and cool-water fish.Lost Valley Hatchery near Warsaw is one of the nation’s most advanced and largest public hatcheries. Lost Valley is known for raising paddlefish and white bass/striped bass hybrids. Chesapeake hatchery near Mount Vernon warms its water to get catfish to spawn early, producing 12- to 14-inch catfish in one growing season. Blind Pony Hatchery near Sweet Springs is known for producing the endangered pallid sturgeon, which is being used to restore populations in the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. Hunnewell Hatchery raises hybrid sunfish, which grow fast and large and are used inkids’ fishing clinics. Indian Trail Hatchery near Salem produces largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish for farmpond stocking.
©2010 Conservation Commission of Missouri. All Rights Reserved.Accessibility |Privacy Policy |Terms of Use
