Roaring River Fish Hatchery in Eureka Springs, AR The Roaring River Fish Hatchery is located in the Roaring River State Park, about 30-40 minutes drive from Eureka Springs. Here, the Missouri Department of Conservation strives to breed and raise around 250,000 young trout each year which they release at regular intervals into the Roaring River. This particular river is well known for its top quality trout fishing and attracts over 4000 fishermen and women each year.
Before being released into the main river, the young trout are kept in the Spring Pool which is located next to the hatchery. Here you can watch the trout get used to the river water and currents and buy fish food with which to feed them. Alternatively you can take a guided tour of the trout hatchery where you can learn about the methods used to fertilize and incubate the eggs before seeing the main holding area where thousands upon thousands of trout are kept until they are old enough to be released. Walking around the enclosure is an experience and has proven to be particularly popular with children. You will see the trout at different ages and you can feed them at certain times.
Although you are not allowed to fish in the Spring Pool, you can fish just downriver and this is a popular activity after seeing the hatchery. The river is restocked daily between March 1st and October 31st so even novice fishermen should be able to catch something, even if it is the smallest trout in the river!
