Erwin National Fish Hatchery Visitor Center

Located at 520 Federal Hatchery Road in Erwin, Tennessee, the Erwin National Fish Hatchery Visitor Center is a popular tourist attraction and travel agency. Visitors can get a firsthand look at trout production and management, learning about the lifecycle and spawning cycles of trout while witnessing routine fish husbandry practices. Guests can even pick up a cup of fish food to participate in the hatchery action, all free of charge.

The hatchery is a primary facility within the National Broodstock Program, producing around 16 million trout eggs annually. These certified disease-free eggs are distributed to various hatcheries, universities, and research centers across the country to support recreational fishing management efforts. The hatchery spawns three strains of rainbow trout and one strain of brook trout, each with different spawning cycles throughout the year.

In addition to trout production, Erwin National Fish Hatchery is involved in various conservation efforts, such as freshwater mussel propagation, restoration of native brook trout populations, and monitoring and distribution of lake sturgeon. Visitors can take self-guided tours of the hatchery grounds daily, or schedule a guided tour by calling to make a reservation.

Volunteers play a key role in assisting with hatchery activities, including stocking fish, maintenance projects, and groundskeeping. The hatchery's collaborative efforts with other agencies align with the mission of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service's Fish and Aquatic Conservation Program.

Visitors can learn about endangered species such as the Appalachian elktoe and the round hickorynut mussel, as well as the conservation efforts being made to protect these species. The Erwin National Fish Hatchery Visitor Center is dedicated to conserving, protecting, and enhancing fish, wildlife, plants, and habitats for the benefit of the American people.