Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery

Facility · Louisiana ·

Managed by the Fish and Wildlife Service

102 ft
Elevation
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.

Getting 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.

31.74200, -93.11450 · 31°44'31.2"N 93°6'52.2"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 96°F in Aug, down to 60°F in Jan.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F606572798792959690817062
Low °F394249566573767569574741
Precip in5.14.55.85.74.25.23.53.33.94.54.85.6

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 2.4 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Member photos

Common questions about Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery

Can you reserve a site at Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery?
No. Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Camping near Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery

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Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.