Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery in Branson, Missouri
A
large trout production facility, the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery is
situated about 6 miles southwest of the city of Branson and is a popular
tourist attraction for those interested in nature and the environment. Named
for Harold Bell Wright’s famous book about the area, the hatchery was built
between 1957 and 1958 and its first trout were raised there in 1958.
The
Shepherd of the Hills hatchery makes over a million catchable
trout each year, weighing hundreds of thousands of pounds. Nearby Lake Taneycomo
receives nearly three-quarters-of-a-million trout from the hatchery annually
and the rest of the fish produced at the hatchery go to other Missouri trout-management areas. The hatchery also provides eggs and fingerlings for many
other trout production areas.
The
hatchery complex occupies some 211 acres and about a third of that space
includes a conservation area that is visited by about a quarter-million
visitors annually. The focus of the conservation center is to provide
information to the general public about the role and importance of fisheries
in the U.S. and in the Ozark Mountains area specifically.
From Memorial Day until Labor Day, during the peak of the tourist season in
Branson, visitors can visit the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery and
enjoy a guided tour conducted by a member of the hatchery’s staff. Tours are
offered about four times a day on weekdays. On weekends and during other
times of the year, the facility is open for self-guided tours.
The area around the hatchery also includes a boat ramp and several access
points for fishing along Lake Taneycomo, where visitors can go trout fishing
all year round. Anglers need a Missouri Fishing License and an annual trout
permit in order to keep the trout they catch.
At the
Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery, guests can also take advantage of four
on-site hiking trails, which wind through forests and glades and give hikers
with a look at the diverse plants and animals that inhabit the area. Access
to the trails may be determined by the weather and the time of year.
Those
exploring the conservation area may also pick nuts, berries, fruits,
mushrooms, and wild greens for their own use but the removal of any other
kinds of vegetation is prohibited and violators will be prosecuted.
Bird
watching and wildlife viewing are popular pursuits at the Shepherd of the
Hills Fish Hatchery as well and this is also a great area for outdoor
photographers to catch some of the beauty of the region. Picnicking is also
allowed here and primitive picnic facilities are available for guests.
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