WHY GO TO SHEPHERD OF THE HILLS FISH HATCHERY?
“The place is fantastic.” We’re sure there are exceptions, but after going to the hatchery it’s the usual reaction from Branson visitors. And, the icing on the cake is admission to the Hatchery and surrounding grounds are free.
Two small exceptions are feeding the fish in the outdoor breeding tanks. If you chose to do that, the only allowable fish food can be purchased from coin-operated dispensers. The cost is a whopping 25 cents per handful. Using snacks or any other type of food is strictly prohibited.
The other optional cost might be if you decide to purchase a book from the Conservation Center. Available are wildlife, plant, and other associated subject books.
The main reason to go is that there are plenty of fun things to see and do, both outdoors and indoors, including learning wildlife in the Ozarks.
In a press release recognizing the Hatchery and Conservation Center’s eight millionth recorded visitor, Missouri Department of Conservation said of Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery…
Visitors get an up-close view of how trout are raised. Through guided tours and individual walks around the rearing pools, people get a look at some of the 1.2 million trout the hatchery produces annually. Besides providing trout for Lake Taneycomo and other Missouri trout-fishing areas, Shepherd of Hills supplies trout eggs and fingerlings for other MDC hatcheries. In addition to providing views of live trout in an aquarium, visitors to the Conservation Center can see live specimens of some of the Ozarks’ snake species on display in the 50-seat auditorium. The auditorium is also the site of periodic programs and an audio-visual presentation about the hatchery.
Conservation Center Manager John Miller added, “It is even more touching to have parents bringing their kids to the hatchery because their parents brought them when they were young kids. Being a sense of place for so many visitors is a true source of pride.”
The hatchery’s outside and inside area is wheelchair accessible. If you plan to visit trails or picnic areas outside the hatchery grounds, check with the Conservation Center for current information.
Towering above the fish hatchery is Table Rock Dam, a sight to see in itself, and an even more awesome landmark when the floodgates are open releasing water from Table Rock Lake above the hatchery into Lake Taneycomo below. (For activities there see our post on Dewey Short Visitors Center).
What’s to See and Do There?
Lots of things. As with The Foster Museum, (see Foster post) you can stop by Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery for a quick visit to spend an hour, an afternoon or all day. As the name implies, the mission of the facility is to breed trout. You can take a leisurely stroll between the expansive outdoor breeding tank area and check out the displays and activities inside the Conservation Center. There are signs, placards, and posters throughout the outside breeding tank area explaining various stages and purposes in the breeding process.
According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, “Shepherd Hills Fish Hatchery is the largest trout-wearing facility open by the Missouri Department of conservation.” The hatchery produces more than 1 million trout each. Both Rainbow and Brown Trout are raised at the hatchery with most of the production going into Lake Taneycomo.
OFTEN ASKED QUESTIONS
- How do I get there from 76 Country Blvd.?
- At the intersection of Hwy. 165 and 76 Country Blvd. take Hwy. 165 north (Walgreens is on the north side of 76, Titanic across on the south side). Depending on traffic, the drive is about 7 minutes.
- Is there adequate Parking?
- Yes
- Is there a Trailor and RV Parking area?
- Yes. Entering on Hatchery Rd., you will see it on the right outside (above) the main parking lot. Look for the sign.
- Is everything to see all outside?
- As mentioned above, the visitor’s Conservation Center is indoors. There are exhibits, fish tanks, a free movie to watch and periodically scheduled demonstrations and classes.
- Can you feed the fish?
- Yes, but only with food allowed from fish food dispensers on the grounds
- When is the Shepherd of the Hills Fish hatchery open
- Open daily June, July, and August 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Sunday.
- September thru May open Tues. thru Sat.
- The Hatchery is also closed on state holidays.
- What is the Hatchery address, phone number and website?
- It is located at 483 Hatchery Rd., Branson, 65616 (off Hwy. 165)
- Phone 417 334 4865 ext. 0
- Website: https://nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places/shepherd-hills-fish-hatchery
- Is food available at the hatchery?
- No.
- There is a soda machine dispenser behind the Visitor’s Center.
- Are restroom facilities available?
- Yes, there are restrooms in the Conservation Center, at the picnic pavilion and port-a-potties around the area outside the main hatchery grounds.
- Are there picnic tables?
- Yes, there are picnic tables at the pavilion (at times reserved by groups).
- There are other picnic tables throughout the area. (check with Conservation Center information desk).
- Can you fish at the hatchery?
- No.
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An access area where fishing is allowed outside Shepherd of Hills Fish Hatchery - There is a nearby fishing access point in the parking area near the picnic pavilion and at points along Lake Taneycomo. Fishing is allowed on Lake Taneycomo below the dam. It’s a popular spot for fly fishermen and others. You must have a fishing license and local and state regulations must be followed. State fishing permits are required, as is a trout permit for fishing on Lake Taneycomo between Table Rock Dam and the Highway Bridge. Fishing regulations are in the Wildlife Code Book. The book specifies regulations on size, species, permits, and bait restrictions on various areas of Lake Taneycomo.You can obtain further information inside Conservation Center.
INSIDE THE CONSERVATION CENTER
Although you walk past of the outside hatchery entrance from the parking lot to the Conservation Center, it’s a good idea to stop inside the center first. There, staff and volunteers at the information desk will be able to answer your questions and let you know of any classes or hands-on activities going on that day. That includes guided trail hikes and nature classes.
There’s plenty of fun to fish for inside the Conservation Center. (Pardon the pun).
Inside, you and the kids can get an up-close and personal view of aquarium tanks of trout and other fish native to the area. Learn about other area wildlife. Walls displays include photos and lots of information about plants and animals you might keep a sharp eye for well visiting the Ozarks, particularly if you hike any of the trails on the grounds outside the hatchery.
Watch a Video. Throughout the day, the Conservation Center shows an informative and entertaining video explaining the process of raising, nurturing and stocking the trout before they are released into to stock the lake each year. You will be amazed to learn the involved and labor-intensive steps needed to raise Rainbow and Brown Trout to stock the lake.
PICNICKING is allowed. Near Lake Taneycomo, there’s a pavilion with tables. As mentioned, It’s by fishing access closest to the hatchery. There are more picnic tables at the White River Bluff trail. Check with the Conservation Center information desk. 
Bicycles are only allowed on paved roads.
Is there a launching area for kayaks and boats?
Yes, ask inside the Visitor’s Center. You can also pick up a map there.
Hiking trails
There are five hiking trails Shepherd of the Hills Hatchery. Great places to observe area plants and wildlife — watch for Woodpeckers, Cardinals, Bluebirds, Hawks, and Herons and a plethora of wildflowers. Watch for the ever-present Black Vulture. Maps inside the Conservation Center and trail overview maps are located near trail access.
Perhaps the favorite trail is the White River Corridor trail. It follows along the bank of Lake Taneycomo. It’s a short picturesque trail through the trees along the banks of the lake, above the bank of the lake. The trail traverses through trees, and is well shaded during hot summer days. The length of White River Corridor Trail is 0.4 mile – – one way.
The White River Bluff Trail is 1.6 miles long. There is a short loop section of the trail that is 0.6 mile long. The White River Bluff Trail is an inland trail not close the water but sleeping pill sitting on katana bricks now she can’t concentrate
Canebreak Trail is 0.3 miles (one-way). This trail is accessed at the parking area off Belladonna Trail Road.
A variety of Wildlife and birds can be spotted along any of the trails. To name the just a few their woodpeckers Blue Jays Cardinals, depending on the time of year. You might spot a beaver or opossum, squirrels or maybe a fox. The large variety of wildflowers (picking and collecting flowers and vegetation is strictly prohibited in the conservation area).
LITTLE BACKGROUND AND HISTORY
Thanks to the US Army Corps of Engineers building Table Rock Dam, the fish hatchery was made possible. (To learn more about the incredible history of building Table Rock Dam see the blog on the Dewey Short Center to plan your visit). Water off the bottom of Table Rock Dam and emptying into Lake Taneycomo is cold, averaging 48° year-round.
Hence you’ll find swimmers and beachgoers on Table Rock Lake where the water remains a constant warmer temperature of life space underline
