About Us
Since 1871, the National Fish Hatcheries System has been at work improving recreational fishing and restoring aquatic species that are in decline, at risk, and are important to the health of our aquatic systems. Across the country the network of hatcheries work with states and tribes to conserve, restore and enhance the fish and aquatic resources of America for future generations.
Greers Ferry is one of more than 80 facilities in the National Fish Hatchery System administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. As the nation’s primary steward of fish and wildlife resources, our responsibility is to provide leadership in habitat and wetlands protection; fish and wildlife research; and technical assistance in the conservation and protection of migratory birds, anadromous fish, certain marine mammals, along with threatened and endangered species.
Our Mission
Since 1871, national fish hatcheries have been applying science-based approaches to conservation challenges. We work with our partners and engage the public to conserve, restore, and enhance fish and other aquatic resources for the continuing benefit of the American people. Conservation is at the heart of what we do, and we recognize that we do this work for the American people–both the present generation who benefit today and future generations who will inherit our legacy of conserving America’s aquatic resources.
The Greers Ferry National Fish Hatchery was established in 1965 and produces rainbow and brook trout for restocking the cold tailwaters below the Greers Ferry Dam, as well as other Army Corps of Engineers water projects (dams) located in Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma. Operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the hatchery is one of many facilities serving a vital role in sustaining and managing our nation’s aquatic natural resources.
Our History
The Greers Ferry National Fish Hatchery is located in the southern foothills of the Ozark Mountains in Cleburne County, Arkansas. The facility is just north of the historic city of Heber Springs and minutes from the beautiful Greers Ferry Lake and scenic Little Red River below Greers Ferry Dam.
The hatchery began trout production in 1966 and the only species produced was rainbow trout, however, brook trout were added to production in the 1990's. Just as they were then, the trout are stocked into cold tailwaters below federally operated dams in Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma. Fish produced from the hatchery not only enhance recreational fishing opportunities in waters that have been modified by the cold releases of U.S. Army Corp of Engineers operated dams, but also provide an enormous economic value to the local economies.
The hatchery's dedication ceremony was held June 11, 1966 and former U.S. Rep. Wilbur D. Mills (AR 2nd District) was the keynote speaker. Fish production began a couple months later with the first shipment of trout eggs received on August 21,1966.