What We Do
The next time you go fishing, you might just catch a fish that was raised at Tishomingo National Fish Hatchery. Since 1871, National Fish Hatcheries have been responding to conservation challenges affecting America’s fish and other aquatic species. Producing fish continues to be an irreplaceable tool in managing or restoring fisheries along with habitat conservation. In doing so, we help provide recreation opportunities to America’s 34 million anglers who spend $36 billion annually in pursuit of their favored pastime.
Tishomingo National Fish Hatchery produces paddlefish, alligator gar, and channel catfish that are stocked annually in reservoirs and lakes in Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas.
Imperiled species such as Arkansas River shiners, leopard darters, and alligator snapping turtles are produced to assist in conserving species in decline.
Our Services
Tishomingo National Fish Hatchery plays an important role in providing recreational fish species such as channel catfish to National Wildlife Refuges, Military Bases, and Tribal Lands where natural reproduction cannot keep up with local fishing pressures. These fish provide sporting opportunities to numerous people who might otherwise not have access to fishing and also support local economies.
Production and stocking of paddlefish and alligator gar into public waters in three states not only provide recreational opportunities and generate tax dollars, but also assist in the conservation of these species which might otherwise be imperiled.
Our Projects and Research
National Fish Hatcheries raise fish and other aquatic species – like crayfish and mussels - to help restore and sustain important fish and other aquatic species for the benefit of the American people. Freshwater mussels play very important roles in our rivers and lakes filtering the water and creating habitat for fish and aquatic insects fish like to eat. With declining fish populations and declining freshwater mussel populations becoming prevalent across the world, fish hatchery operations are important than ever.
Several of the species reared at the Tishomingo National Fish Hatchery have never been successfully raised in captivity and little is known about how the species live and reproduce. Hatchery staff and cooperators study the life cycle of listed Arkansas River shiners, leopard darters, alligator snapping turtles, and other imperiled species to improve our ability to support conservation efforts.