About Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery...

Each year, more than 250,000 people visit the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery in Branson, Missouri – making it the most-visited and popular program of its kind in the state.

More than 1 million trout are raised and released from the facility, weighing in at more than 175 tons (350,000+ lbs)!

55+ Years of Hosting Visitors!

One of the longest-running and most extensive fish-breeding and raising facilities of its king anywhere in the country, the fish hatchery provides education, insight, and entertainment for the millions of people who visit the area each year.

The property sits along the water’s edge of Lake Taneycomo at the base of Table Rock Dam, providing guests with spectacular views of the two most popular lakes in the Tri-Lakes area (Lake Taneycomo and Table Rock Lake).

World-Famous Trout-Breeding Program

Each year more than one million trout are bred and raised in the holding pools at the hatchery, after which they are released into the cold waters of Lake Taneycomo. It is this breeding process (and eventual release of the fish) that makes the area one of the most popular trout destinations in the country.

Lake Taneycomo is home to many of the Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout that are raised at the breeding grounds of the popular Branson fish hatchery.

1.2+ Million Trout Raised and Released Each Year!

This year-round operation gives visitors the chance to see the entire breeding and raising process from start to finish. Witness each stage of the fish’s life cycle as the grounds are home to the egg incubation pools, the 12+ raising raceways, and the 20+ mature fish raceways (or one of the ponds on-site), prior to being released into the wild waters.

On-Site Educational Facilities

In addition to the hatchery, the facility is also home to several other buildings that offer guests the chance to learn about some of the Missouri wildlife or get more information about the various programs offered by the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Fishing, Walking Trails, & More

While the area is most popular for its breeding program, it also hosts a variety of other things to do – including walking trails around the dam area, world-class trout fishing, and several other activities that are sure to keep everyone traveling with you entertained.

Tour the Hatchery

Throughout the year, the facility hosts guided or self-guided tours of the hatchery. Either option will give you plenty of opportunity to learn about the fish-raising process.

FREE to All Visitors!

Open free of charge to visitors of all ages, the facility offers one of the most popular, free, and educational things to do in Branson.