Fish Hatcheries and Trout Parks in Missouri

From MDC
Missouri hatcheries and trout parks not only support our state’s great fishing, they’re also fascinating places to visit. Some feature visitor centers with displays, films and exhibits. Several have tour schedules or will accept appointments for special tours. Check under "Related Information" for more information about specific hatcheries and trout parks.

Cold-Water Hatcheries and Trout Parks

Missouri’s trout hatcheries are located at each of Missouri’s four trout parks and on Lake Taneycomo. They provide high-quality trout fishing on cold-water streams in Missouri.

Warm-Water Hatcheries

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 in kids’ fishing clinics. Indian Trail Hatchery near Salem produces largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish for farm pond stocking.

Trout fishing near St Louis -Maramec Spring Park and Hatchery

Maramec Spring Hatchery produces about 100,000 trout a year, and all are stocked in Maramec Spring Park. Trout are received as 3-inch fingerlings from Shepherd of the Hills Hatchery. The trout are fed three times a day and will grow 3/4 to 1 inch a month. The fish are reared in a raceway fed by the water from Maramec Spring. The fish are stocked at a rate of 2.25 fish per tag sold and are at least 12 inches in length. An additional 40,000 trout are hauled in from Montauk Hatchery each year to be stocked in the park.
Maramec is a privately owned and operated by the James Foundation. The fishery is administered by the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Area Information

Tours

Contact the Maramec Spring Hatchery office to schedule a tour for your school group or organization. Tours must be arranged in advance. Tours usually last around 45 minutes.

Directions

Maramec Spring Park is located six miles east of St. James Missouri on Highway 8. From St. Louis: I-44 west to St. James. Highway 8 and 68 run together east through St. James. Approximately three miles out of St. James, Highway 68 turns south. Continue on Highway 8 three more miles. The park is on the left.