The Hatchery
Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery (NFH) and Aquarium is located near Yankton, South Dakota. The hatchery is strategically located on the Missouri River near Lewis and Clark Lake and LakeYankton. Gavins Point NFH is one of 65 Federal Hatcheries and Fish Technology Centers operated nationwide by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Our primary responsibilities include: 1.) raising endangered and threatened fish species; 2.) fish culture activities of other native and nonnative species; 3.) operation of the aquarium for public use and other public outreach activities; and, 4.) the management of Lake Yankton fish populations.
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Endangered Fish
Gavins Point NFH raises the endangered pallid sturgeon and the paddlefish, which is a "species of concern" in many states. The fish are spawned here at Gavins Point in our Sturgeon and Endangered Species buildings and later released to increase or maintain fish populations in the wild. Endangered fish populations have decreased or have been eliminated in many areas due to habitat degradation, over fishing, or other environmental concerns.
Fish Culture
The hatchery is an unusually complex hatchery. Beginning fish
culture operations in 1961,
the hatchery raises 12 to 16 species of sport fish, and has produced more than
5 billion fish for stocking or release in mid-western waters. The fish raised at
the hatchery can be categorized into three broad areas, which include cold
water, cool water, and warm water fish. The fish eggs are hatched in jar batteries located in
the hatchery building, and 36 outdoor ponds are used to raise the young fish to
a desired size range. These fish are later stocked into various water
bodies.
The Aquarium
The aquarium displays up to 50 native and introduced species in 13 large
tanks and several smaller tanks. The aquarium also has several educational displays
to help visitors learn more about fish. The aquarium is open
daily from May to September and weekdays only during April and October.
The aquarium is closed from November through March. Admission to the aquarium is
free.
Public Outreach
The hatchery is open to the public. However, some areas such as the
Endangered Species and Sturgeon buildings are off limits to the public except
through guided tours. Visitors are also able to walk out to the ponds, but
unauthorized vehicles are not allowed around the ponds. Guided tours of the
facilities may be arranged for groups by contacting the hatchery.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service seeks to afford persons with disabilities full accessibility or reasonable accommodation. Contact Hatchery Headquarters for information or to address accessibility problems. For the hearing impaired, use your State Relay System for the Deaf.
