Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery

About Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery

The Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery became operational in 1931 under the authority of the White Act as a warm water facility that would produce catfish, largemouth bass, bluegill, and redear sunfish for local public waters and farm ponds. Since 1931, resource needs in the southeast have changed and the mission of the station has changed with the times. Recovery of threatened or endangered species (Louisiana pearlshell mussel), restoration of imperiled species (alligator snapping turtle, paddlefish) and management of interjurisdictional fisheries are also raised to accommodate recreational fishing needs and restoration efforts on Service Lands. There are 53 ponds, each averaging 0.8 acres in size.

How to Get There

Exit I-49 at Exit 138 and take Highway 6 East until it intersects with LA 3110 (this should be the first traffic light). Take a right onto LA 3110 and follow it until it dead ends into LA 1. Take a left on to LA 1. The hatchery will be on the right approximately one half mile. You will see a long hurricane fence that encloses the ponds and hatchery property and then the Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery sign in front of the public aquarium building.

Plan Your Visit to Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery

Heading to Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery? A few things to know before you go:

• Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
• Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
• Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
• Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
• Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

References & Official Resources

• Official Recreation.gov page
• View on OpenStreetMap
• Driving directions (Google Maps)