Crawford State Park Fish Hatch

The Farlington Fish Hatchery: The Engine Behind Excellent Fishing at Crawford State Park and Across Kansas

Kansas outdoor enthusiasts searching for camping near Farlington often encounter the listing for **Crawford State Park Fish Hatch** or simply **Farlington Fish Hatchery**. It is important for local users to know that this location, while vitally important to the state's outdoor recreation, is **not a campground** in the traditional sense, a fact occasionally noted in customer reviews. Instead, the Farlington Fish Hatchery is a dedicated facility operated by the **Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP)**, whose primary mission is to produce millions of fish fingerlings—such as wiper, channel catfish, and blue catfish—to stock public lakes and reservoirs across Kansas.

This facility is an essential component of what makes the camping and fishing experience at the adjacent Crawford State Park so exceptional. It’s a fascinating destination where visitors can gain insight into the sophisticated science of fisheries management, learn where their next big catch comes from, and see the efforts made to sustain high-quality fishing throughout Southeast Kansas and beyond. The hatchery is a testament to the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) legacy in the area, with construction beginning in 1939. This facility, built shortly after the lake, underscores the rich history and commitment to conservation in this part of the state. While you can't pitch a tent here, a visit to the hatchery provides a valuable educational and recreational complement to any camping trip at Crawford State Park.

Location and Accessibility: Below the Dam at Crawford State Lake

The Farlington Fish Hatchery is conveniently located just below the dam of the scenic Crawford State Lake, making it an easy and worthwhile side trip for anyone camping at the nearby Crawford State Park campgrounds (like Oak Point, Rocky Cove, or South Shelter). The address for the facility clearly identifies its location in relation to the park.

The official location is:

Address: 101 Hatchery Rd, Farlington, KS 66734, USA

To reach the hatchery, visitors typically follow the signs from Kansas Highway 7 toward Crawford State Park and then take the access road that leads below the main dam area. It is directly connected to the park's recreational footprint by the **Spiderleg Bridge Interpretive Trail**, a half-mile pathway that runs between the park and the hatchery, allowing campers a pleasant walk or bike ride to the facility. Its location in Crawford County, near the historic town of Farlington, places it in the heart of Southeast Kansas’s picturesque forested landscape.

Services Offered (Focusing on its Educational/Public Role)

While the Farlington Fish Hatchery doesn't offer typical campground services like hookups or picnic areas for rent, it provides invaluable public services and educational opportunities for Kansas citizens.

• Tours and Education: **Guided tours are available upon request** by contacting the hatchery staff, offering a rare look at the indoor fish house, raceways, and outdoor production ponds.
• Fish Production: The facility operates **thirty earthen ponds** covering over 32 surface acres, focusing on the growth of channel catfish, blue catfish, and wiper (hybrid striped bass) fingerlings.
• Fish Stocking: The core function is the annual production and distribution of **hundreds of thousands of fingerlings** to be stocked into public waters, directly enhancing fishing opportunities for Kansas anglers.
• Fishing Information: Staff are excellent resources for general **fishing information, regulations, and conservation efforts** specific to the Southeast Kansas region.
• Interpretive Trail Access: The facility is the terminus of the **Spiderleg Bridge Interpretive Trail**, which connects to the main campgrounds and recreational areas of Crawford State Park.

Features and Highlights of the Farlington Fish Hatchery

The Hatchery's unique features make it a fascinating point of interest for anyone spending time at Crawford State Park or exploring the Frontier Military Historic Byway.

• Specialized Fish Production: The hatchery is particularly known for its large-scale production of **wiper fingerlings** (a hybrid of striped and white bass) and **channel catfish**, which are highly prized by Kansas anglers.
• Historic Infrastructure: The facility retains a sense of its history, having been completed shortly after World War II, showcasing a long legacy of commitment to **Kansas conservation**.
• Unique Viewing Opportunity: Visitors have the rare chance to see the **life cycle of various fish species** firsthand, from tiny fry in indoor raceways to fingerlings in the outdoor ponds before they are released statewide.
• Ecological Importance: The hatchery’s work maintains the health and variety of fish populations, directly contributing to the **high quality of fishing** available at Crawford State Lake.
• Spiderleg Bridge Trail: This nearby trail not only connects the hatchery to the park but is a beautiful path through wooded areas and across a unique bridge structure, perfect for a short, scenic hike.

Contact Information

For information regarding the operations of the Farlington Fish Hatchery, scheduling a tour, or inquiries about the fish stocking program, please use the following contact details:

Address: 101 Hatchery Rd, Farlington, KS 66734, USA

Phone: (620) 362-3671 (This number may connect you to the main Crawford State Park Office, which can direct your call to the Hatchery staff.)

What Is Worth Choosing the Farlington Fish Hatchery Area?

While you won't be setting up a tent at 101 Hatchery Rd, the decision to visit the Farlington Fish Hatchery area is one worth making for any Kansas camper or angler staying at Crawford State Park.

It is worth choosing this area for its **educational value and direct tie to your recreation**. The hatchery provides a unique **behind-the-scenes look** at where the highly sought-after wiper and catfish that you are trying to catch in Crawford Lake actually originate. It transforms a simple fishing trip into a deeper understanding of ecosystem management and KDWP's vital work. Furthermore, the area surrounding the hatchery provides some of the best access points for the **Spiderleg Bridge Trail**, a beautiful, easy-to-navigate path perfect for morning strolls or a quick bike ride from your campsite. In short, the Farlington Fish Hatchery is an **essential complement** to the Crawford State Park camping experience, offering a free, insightful, and accessible activity that enriches your appreciation for the natural and historical resources of Southeast Kansas.