Visit Us
Love to fish? Do you want to see what makes North Arkansas' spectacular trout fishing possible? Even if you simply enjoy being outdoors, you should come visit us at the Norfork National Fish Hatchery. At the Norfork NFH, you can learn about the local trout production and have fun too! At Norfork NFH, there are 96 raceways outside for visitors to walk around as they please. One of which boasts some trophy size trout! You can also step inside the hatch house and take a look at the earlier stages of trout production. We also have a visitors' center with some native animals, informative materials, and even a gift shop ran by the Friends of the Norfork National Fish Hatchery. The employees at Norfork NFH are always willing to help, so don't hesitate to ask questions. Don't forget to bring the kids and fishing gear as well. Dry Run Creek is right next to the hatchery and provides great fishing opportunities for your youngsters and mobility impaired individuals.
Activities
Norfork National Fish Hatchery host various activities throughout the year. This includes the kids' fishing derby, hatchery outdoor adventure, and school tours/activities.
Rules and Policies
Rules of the hatchery
- no fishing equipment inside the gate. (waders, fishing poles, nets, etc.
- refrain from putting hands in the water
- stay off the sides of the raceways as well as the walkboards
- Have fun! The rest of these rules are for keeping visitors and the fish safe, not to take away from the fun.
Locations
We are located at the base of the Norfork Lake Dam. Just across from the Army Corp of Engineers.
1414 State Hwy 177, Mountain Home, Arkansas 72653
Coming from Little Rock
- Take Hwy 5 N to Salesville. The hatchery is located 2 miles form the intersection of Hwy 177 S and 5 N. (3 hrs)
Coming from Branson
- Take Hwy 65 S from Branson through Harrison, AR.
- Turn east on Hwy 62/412 in Bellafonte.
- In Mountain Home, take Hwy 5 S 12 miles to Salesville.
- Bear left at the "Y" onto Hwy 177 S 2 miles to the hatchery. (2 hrs)
Coming from Springfield
- Take Hwy 65 S from Springfield through Branson, MO.
- Follow directions above from Branson. (2.5 hrs)
Coming from Mountain Home (northwest)
- Continue on Interstate 55
- Continue onto Arkansas Highway 177 for 1.2 mi
- Turn left onto Fish Hatchery Circle
Coming from Pineville (southeast)
- Head northwest on Arkansas Highway 177
- Cross Norfork Dam
- Turn right onto Fish Hatchery Circle