This is Texas newest freshwater hatchery and its open for public visits. The Hatchery came online in 2012 and is producing up 5 million fingerlings each year. The fingerlings are used to stock state's public waters. The John D Parker Fish Hatchery is financed by anglers who purchase the freshwater stamp along with their fishing licenses.
John. D. Parker produces largemouth bass, catfish, sunfish and forage fishes at a much higher capacity then the previous Jasper Fish Hatchery. Its name comes from the Commissioner of Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPWD) from 2003 - 2009 who was instrumental in securing funding for the project.
Visitor Information
The hatchery is located in Jasper County below Sam Rayburn Reservoir. Access is via County Road 218, which joins Texas Recreational Road 255 just east of the Sam Rayburn dam about halfway between Texas 63 and US 96 north of Jasper. Hatchery tours are offered each Tuesday at 2 pm and Friday at 10 am for groups of 10 or less. Tours for groups of 10 or more can be arranged by appointment.
