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Greers Ferry National Fish Hatchery, located in Heber Springs, Arkansas, in the picturesque foothills of the Ozark Mountains, serves as a crucial grow-out facility dedicated to the production of rainbow trout and brook trout. Operated by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, this facility plays a significant role in maintaining fish populations and enhancing recreational fishing opportunities in the region.
At the hatchery, rainbow trout are grown until they reach a length of 11 inches, while brook trout are stocked at 9 inches. The process of growing these fish takes approximately 16 months for rainbow trout and a similar timeframe for brook trout. Once they reach the desired size, the fish are released into the cold tailwaters below U.S. Army Corps of Engineer dams in Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma. The cold-water releases from the dams create an ideal habitat for trout, ensuring their survival and growth in the wild.
The primary mission of the hatchery is to produce trout to mitigate the alteration in fish habitat caused by the cold-water released during dam operations. The fish raised at the hatchery and subsequently stocked into tailwaters below the dams, offer a distinctive recreational fishing experience and greatly benefit local economies. These stocked trout not only enhance fishing opportunities but also play a crucial role in the economic vitality of surrounding communities, establishing Greers Ferry National Fish Hatchery as an essential asset for both anglers and local livelihoods.
Recreational Activities
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