Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery is the largest trout-rearing facility operated by the Missouri Department of Conservation.
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Scientific Name
Salmo trutta
Family
Salmonidae (trouts) in the order Salmoniformes (salmon, trout, chars and others)
Description
The brown trout is a sleek, streamlined fish with soft-rayed fins and small scales. Body and dorsal fin with round, black spots, body with small red or orange spots surrounded by a lighter halo. Tail fin is usually not forked and usually without spots. Anal fin usually with 9 rays.
Other Common Names
German Brown Trout
Size
Total length: 8 to 15 inches; maximum about 37 inches and 26 pounds.
Where To Find
Found in about 60 miles of spring-fed, mainly Ozark streams and in Lake Taneycomo.
Habitat and Conservation
Hatchery-raised brown trout are stocked into cold streams and lakes with water temperatures that generally remain less than 70 degrees F. In streams, brown trout are most often found around dense cover, such as submerged logs or undercut banks, or in deep water below riffles.
Food
Brown trout are carnivorous, feeding on aquatic and terrestrial insects, crayfish, crustaceans, snails, and small fish. Large adults feed primarily on fish and crayfish.
Status
A native of Europe and the British Isles, this game fish was introduced into our country as early as 1883. More than 200,000 brown trout were introduced to Missouri from 1927 to 1933. Stocking efforts resumed in the 1960s, concentrating on the Current and North Fork rivers, and expanding to other cold Ozark streams and Lake Taneycomo. Populations in our state are not self-sustaining and are maintained by periodic stocking.
Life Cycle
Life Cycle
All brown trout populations in Missouri are maintained through releases of hatchery-reared fish. Their lifespan is usually about 4 years, but they are capable of surviving for 8 or more years.
Human Connections
The Department estimates that trout angling and related activities contribute $382,000,000 to Missouri's economy annually.
Ecosystem Connections
Brown trout help to control populations of their aquatic prey. They can have an adverse effect on native species.
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Brown trout, Salmo trutta, female, propagated at Shepherd of the Hills Hatchery
Credit
Lance Merry
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Brown trout, Salmo trutta, propagated at Shepherd of the Hills Hatchery
Credit
Lance Merry
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MDC Staff
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An angler releases a brown trout in this underwater shot.
Credit
David Stonner
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Similar Species
Similar Species
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Where to See Species
This Conservation Area offers fishing and floating access to the North Fork of the White River.
The Patrick Bridge Access is an area with 161 acres that provide fishing access and recreational opportunities on the North Fork of the White River.
This area provides access to Lake Taneycomo. A boat ramp is provided. The area is maintained by the city of Rockaway Beach.
About Fishes in Missouri
Missouri has more than 200 kinds of fish, more than are found in most neighboring states. Fishes live in water, breathe with gills, and have fins instead of legs. Most are covered with scales. Most fish in Missouri “look” like fish and could never be confused with anything else. True, lampreys and eels have snakelike bodies — but they also have fins and smooth, slimy skin, which snakes do not.