Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery

Driving Directions

Six miles southwest of Branson off Highway 165, near Table Rock Dam.

Highlights

Facilities/features: boat ramp (onto Lake Taneycomo), picnic areas and a pavilion, hiking trails, two viewing blinds, two viewing decks, nature center, hatchery tours, and exhibits.

About This Area

Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery is the largest trout-rearing facility operated by the Missouri Department of Conservation. It is located six miles southwest of Branson on Highway 165 just below Table Rock Dam.

The hatchery includes a conservation center, where the public can learn more about trout culture, aquatic life, fishing and the Missouri Department of Conservation's role in aquatic resource management. The center is open throughout the year and is free of charge.

Trails are available near the hatchery for hiking and wildlife viewing. They also provide fishing access.

Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery produces between 350,000 and 400,000 pounds of trout each year. Both rainbow and brown trout are raised at the hatchery with 80 percent of production going into Lake Taneycomo. The remainder of the fish are stocked into other Missouri trout management areas.

Construction of the hatchery began in 1957 and production of trout in 1958 with the completion of Table Rock Dam by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This dam created a large, deep lake that varies in water temperature from surface to bottom. The water near the bottom stays cool, averaging 48 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. During hydroelectric generation, this cold water is released into Lake Taneycomo. Although the cold water release caused the loss of the native warm-water fishery, it created the ideal environment for trout, a fish that thrives at lower water temperatures.

General Information

Southwest

Taney

417-334-4865

Leased

This property is owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and maintained by the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Activities
Activity
(Activity Explanations)		 Comments
(Population Definition)
Bird Watching  Three-and-one-half acre waterfowl pool and along Lake Taneycomo. Get the Missouri Audubon Conservation Area Bird List.  
Fishing - Trout Good population. Boat access and wade fishing. Special regulations apply. See Area Regulations. 
Highlighted Activities  Vulture Venture (Vulture Roost Viewing), Family Fishing Fair 
Hiking  Four hiking trails  
Tours  Seasonal hatchery tours, call for information 

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Conservation Department Facilities
Facility Item Name Count Comments
Boat Ramp - Lake - Concrete  1  Lake Taneycomo  
Fish Hatcheryaccessible 2  Fishing is not allowed in the Hatchery facility or outlets. Shepherd of the Hills hatchery is the only facility that raises brown trout for distribution statewide. Brown trout broodstock are taken each year from Taneycomo via fish ladder.  
Parking Lotaccessible 8  One gravel parking lot with a concrete pad.  
Pavilionaccessible 1   
Picnic Tableaccessible 6   
Privy/Restroomaccessible 1   
Staffed Office  2   
Viewing Blind  2   
Viewing Deck/Tower  2   
Visitor Centeraccessible 1  Staffed center with exhibits/displays. Auditorium seats 50 visitors.  

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Features
Feature Item Name Count Size Comments
Fishing Lake - Shoreline Lake Taneycomo 1 0.75 miles Good access to lake Taneycomo by boat, shoreline or wading. Excellent fishing opportunities primarily for rainbow and brown trout. Check regulations.  

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Land Cover Types
Land Type Acres Comments
Forest and Woodland 127.00  
Other 82.00  
Glade 2.00  
Total Area Acres:155.00 

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Designated Trails
Trail Name Trail Type Length
White River Corridor Trail (Moderate) Hiking (Interpretive) 0.40 
Fisherman's Trail (Easy) Hiking (Non-Interpretive) 0.40 
Canebrake Trail (Moderate) Hiking (Non-Interpretive) 0.30 
White River Bluffs Trail (Moderate) Hiking (Non-Interpretive) 1.60 

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Shooting Range General Information

This area has no shooting ranges.

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