About Us
Since 1871 the National Fish Hatchery 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 National Fish Hatcheries work with states and Tribes to conserve, restore and enhance the fish and aquatic resources of America for future generations.
Tishomingo National Fish Hatchery is located in south-central Oklahoma on the banks of Pennington Creek, which provides high quality water used for raising fish and turtles. The hatchery includes 50 ponds, 4 culture buildings, 6 raceways, and a water supply canal to support stocking waterways in Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, Louisiana, Illinois and Tennessee.
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.
Tishomingo National Fish Hatchery raises paddlefish, alligator gar, alligator snapping turtles, leopard darters, and Arkansas River shiners for restoration and recovery efforts. Species such as channel catfish, largemouth bass, and several sunfish species are raised to support recreational fisheries on military bases, National Wildlife Refuges, and Tribal lands.
Our History
Tishomingo National Fish Hatchery is a 220 acre U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service facility established and constructed in the 1930s to provide warm-water fish for stocking in lakes and ponds, The hatchery’s water supply is protected by Conservation Easement covering the nearly 4,000 acres of the drainage basin of Pennington Creek. The hatchery now plays a key role in the Service's efforts to protect and restore declining and imperiled populations of fish and other aquatic species of the South-Central United States.