75th Anniversary -- The Beginning ....
The newly appointed construction supervisor arrived in Natchitoches on June 26, 1931.
The log of June 30th states, "Commenced work excavating for embankments, picking up fence wire, tearing down old buildings, repairing old shop for temporary office and other preparatory work."
Pond construction crews were local farmers who had mule teams and fresnoes.They were paid $5.00/day for the teams and drivers. Temporary workers hired by the station manager were paid $1.50/day. Based on his expenditure accounts, Casler stated during the first six months of work, the hatchery increased the local economy by $38,841.04 through such items as payroll for temporary labor, mule team hires, and purchases from local businesses. Translated to today’s economy, that is $250,000! And that did not include other workers like carpenters, painters, and plumbers who were paid by government entities such as the Federal Emergency Relief Act (FERA) and the Works Project Administration (WPA).
1950's Entrance looking from Cane River Road toward Office Service Building. Credit: USFWS
On December 15, 1931, C.H. (Swamp) Walker took over in the role of Superintendent and the hatchery went into operation.
The first delivery to a farm pond applicant was made on June 6, 1933, when 300 bass went to B. E. Collins’ farm pond. These were the first fish stocked in to public and private waters by the Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery, beginning a legacy that has extended 75 years.
By 1933 the hatchery was delivering thousands of fish into public and private lakes and ponds.
Originally established to provide recreation and food for the public during the Great Depression and war eras, the Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery started out producing largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish.
Over the years the hatchery has been involved with the raising of over sixteen species of fish including inland and riverine species. Today, the hatchery still works with largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish.
The hatchery also raises striped bass, paddlefish, and pallid sturgeon. In 2006 alligator snapping turtles and the Louisiana pearlshell mussel will be added to the species list.
To date, the hatchery has stocked over 164,000,000 fish and continues its legacy of serving the public and advancing the field of fish culture.
75th Anniversary brochure -- (click here)
 Muddy construction |
 Fresno and mules. Credit: USFWS |
 1969 about distributing fish. Credit USFWS |
 Blue Catfish. Credit: USFWS |
