When you need a family outing that combines fun, education and favorable reviews, then the Branson fish hatchery – yes, Branson fish hatchery – should make its way to the top of your to-do list. Located by the Table Rock Dam and operated by the Missouri Department of Conservation, the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery is a Branson attraction that will appeal to visitors of any age. Over a million trout (Rainbow and Brown) are grown in the hatchery each year and you can learn about the fish hatching process, trout life-cycle and more when you visit!
The Branson Fish Hatchery: What to Do and See
You don’t have to be fishermen or biologist to enjoy the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery! As long as you’re willing to dive into a world of underwater knowledge, then you’re ready.
Highly targeted by fishermen across the nation, trout makes for not only a popular catch, but a delicious meal, too. According to the Official Tourism Website of Branson, the construction of the Table Rock Dam in the late 1950’s changed Lake Taneycomo’s water temperature from warm to cold, providing the perfect temperature for trout to thrive in. The hatchery produces anywhere from 350,000 to 400,000 pounds of trout annually, and 80% of the fish raised in the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery are released into the lake, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation.
The Branson fish hatchery is a highly popular local attraction, and for a good reason! Free tours are offered everyday at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., allowing visitors to learn how the fish hatchery operates, see rainbow and brown trout swim through raceways, and more. Of course, you can walk the hatchery by yourself, and you can purchase a cup of fish food for a quarter and feed the trout yourself! The Visitors Center also features an auditorium, where you can watch an exciting presentation on the fish.
There’s plenty to do in the area surrounding the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery, including several hiking trails, as well trout fishing in Lake Taneycomo. Trout fishing in a lake stocked by a nearby hatchery? It doesn’t get any better than that. Whether you’re an expert an all things aquatic, or simply want to expand your knowledge in a fun, interactive way, then a trip to Branson fish hatchery is right for you! The fish hatchery is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., year round.
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When you visit Branson, you need a place to stay that’s equally as fun as the attractions in town. Enter Amazing Branson Rentals, the top choice for vacation cabins in Branson. Our cabins are spacious, rustic, beautifully designed, and feature all the amenities necessary to make your stay with us unforgettable. Hot tubs, large decks and grills perfect for cookouts, flat-screen TV’s and more – you’ll find it all in our vacation cabins. We’re conveniently located only minutes away from all the exciting things to do in Branson, too! Contact us today, online or at (972) 849-6363, and start planning your Branson vacation.