Wolf Creek
Jamestown, KY 42629-6502
Plan Your Visit
The Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery, located below Wolf Creek Dam, just off of U.S. 127 in Jamestown, Kentucky, is a popular destination for people near and far. For visitors, our interactive Visitor/Environmental Education Center is fun and educational, along with our Hatchery building and raceways where fish production can be observed. Visit Hatchery Creek for a day of fishing, or walk the nature trail and observe the beauty and tranquility that wildlife can offer.
Come face to face with the region’s underwater friends, explore karst terrain, see the inner workings of an active honey bee hive, and meet Dale, the lifelike animatronic fish biologist—all by stepping into the unique and exciting exhibit hall at the Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery Visitor/Environmental Education Center. Much more awaits the entire family in a fun and engaging educational journey through the center—located on a working trout hatchery at the base of Wolf Creek Dam and beautiful Lake Cumberland. Visitors are welcome to tour the hatchery and fish the well-stocked creek below the hatchery. A theater, gift shop, picnic area, wheelchair accessible fishing ramp and special events make Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery a destination not to be missed. Nearby camping at Kendall Campground is available.
Our gift shop is operated by the Friends of Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery, Inc. The shop offers a wide array of books, pins, fishing bait and light tackle, home decorations and more - all designed with an outdoor/environmental education theme in mind. All proceeds from sales in the shop are used to help support the hatchery, its mission and environmental education and outreach needs.
Visitor/Environmental Education Center
Opened in 2006, the center features an interactive exhibit hall where visitors can explore karst terrain, see an active honey bee hive, and meet Dale, the lifelike animatronic fish biologist. The facility also includes a theater, gift shop, and picnic area.
Activities
- Hatchery Creek: A rehabilitated stream extending over one mile that provides habitat for trout spawning. It includes an upper section (limit of five fish per day) and a lower catch-and-release section. A wheelchair-accessible fishing ramp is available.
- Hiking and Biking: The Nature Explorer Hiking Trail is a 3/4 mile trail through various habitats with a nature trail scavenger hunt.
- Kendall Campground: Adjacent to the hatchery, this 70-acre recreation area managed by the Army Corps of Engineers offers camping along the Cumberland River.
- Trails: Take the Nature Explorer Hiking Trail Hike or bike the 3⁄4 mile trail, experiencing a variety of habitats just outside the Visitor Center. Challenge yourself with the nature trail scavenger hunt. Check with the front desk in the Visitor Center for more information.
- Tours: The hatchery offers self-guided tours and pre-arranged group tours for children and adults.
From Russell Springs, take US-127 south to Wolf Creek Dam. Take a right at Wolf Creek Dam to the Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery.
From Albany, take US-127 north to Wolf Creek Dam. Take a left at Wolf Creek Dam to the Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery.
Anglers are encouraged to park in the main lot in front of Visitor Center. For lower access, use gravel lot off Annex Rd. (from Ray Man Rd). There is limited accessible parking at Upper Hatchery Creek (from Catch a Rainbow Ln). Handicap hang-tag or plate required.
Activities
More Activities
Featured Species
Get Involved
Get involved at Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery through volunteer opportunities or by becoming a member of Friends of Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery, Inc. We also have programs for children that foster an interest in biology, fishing, and conservation through our Biologist in Training and Junior Ranger programs.
Services
Over a century ago, environmentalists recognized that conservation measures were necessary to maintain good fishing opportunities in our public waters. Fishing has always been one of America's leading forms of outdoor recreation. The primary responsibility of Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery is to raise rainbow, brook, and brown trout which will help preserve this tradition for present and future generations of Americans.
An estimated 1,000,000 trout weighing 275,000 pounds are produced at Wolf Creek each year. These fish provide over $50 million dollars per year in direct economic benefits. These fish are stocked in coordination with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources in over 125 public fishing waters within the commonwealth of Kentucky.
About
In 1975, Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery was established. Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery is a coldwater fish hatchery which means we raise fish that do best in water temperatures below 60 degrees. Species currently being raised at this facility include brown trout, brook trout, and rainbow trout.