Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery, located approximately 6 miles to the southwest of Branson, is the largest trout production facility in the Missouri Department of Conservation program andis open all year round. This hatchery is the primary source of rainbow and brown trout in Taneycomo Lake. It produces 1,125,000 trout annually. A visit to the hatchery would be fun and educational for one and all.
A trip to the hatchery is all about trout yet you need not to be an angler to enjoy this kid friendly attraction. Kids and kids at heart would learn about the life cycle of the fish, from how they are spawned, raised and released. The place is fully staffed with helpful volunteers and employees who show films in the main auditorium, provide educational tours regularly and answer any questions you or your family may have. It also has a huge aquarium with some brown and rainbow trout showing the size that some of the trout that the Lake Taneycomo is capable of producing. Don’t forget to bring some quarters to buy food for the baby trout or monster trout in numerous raceways.
It covers over 200 acres and includes a Conservation Center, four hiking trails, lake side activities such as trout fishing and more. Hiking trails on the hatchery ground guide the visitors through a variety of natural settings, from the shoreline of Lake Taneycomo to the high rocky bluffs overlooking the famed White River. A wide diversity of plant life can be seen near the hatchery. Along the stream bank, bottomland species like sycamore, burr oak, paw paw and spicebush thrive and wildflowers such as bluebells, cardinal flowers and violets can be found. The hatchery area is also home to a variety of wildlife including deer, squirrel, raccoon, fox, mink, muskrat and beaver. On the glades, you might even catch a glimpse of the collared lizard or “Mountain Boomer”.
Guided and self guided tours are available to take you through the process of raising trout for conservation purposes. There are also four nature trail paths to lead you through hikes in the nearby hills and fishing access. You would get pleasure from the view of the lake as well. Over 250,000 people a year come to enjoy the one of its kind experience and the beautiful park.
The city prides itself on being family friendly and every attraction in Branson is suitable and exciting for all ages. This is an amazing place to show your kids or if you are a big trout fishing fan. You are able to see over 200,000 trout at all stages of life up close prior to their release in to the lake. There are many fish of many different sizes which led to great entertainment for the kids, and adults too. This is one of the top family stop that you can have. Best of all, this excellent event is totally free of charge.
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