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Youth Groups 10 or more with reservations 2.50 each
Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center
5550 FM 2495, Athens, TX 75752
(903) 676-2277
- Adults - 5.50
- Seniors - 4.50
- Children 4-12 - 3.50
by Jean Muncrief
Ever wonder what is lurking under the water you paddle on? Or perhaps hiding in the brush at water's edge?
Well, I must admit, it has crossed my mind - huge catfish, prehistoric paddle fish, alligator gars, carnivorous alligators! This is just a sampling of what really could be there!
Allen, my brother Jon and I recently visited an innovative aquatic nature center and hatchery complex located on 106 acres near Athens, TX.
It is the Texas Fresh Water Fisheries Center which is operated by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. This center is just bursting with information on the diversity and beauty of the aquatic ecosystems in Texas. It has something of interest to everyone who is fascinated by water and the plants and animals that make up the aquatic world.
They've got big fish, little fish, alligators, birds, amphibians, and furry creatures, a total of 56 species on display in natural habitats!
They've got 300,000 gallons of aquariums and an interactive dive show. Yep, the diver guy in a full wet suit and air tank actually talks to you as he hand feeds chicken parts to the 121.5 pound Blue Catfish named Splash. She is the World's Record and was caught in Lake Texoma last year.
There is a wet land trail to walk and lots of places to picnic. Plus a tram ride that takes you on a quick tour of the Hatchery Production's 45 fish growing ponds.
They've even got a catch and release fishing pond. No license is required and the rods and reel and even the bait are supplied free of charge! The 1.2 acre pond is stocked with catfish in the summer and rainbow trout in the winter - what fun for the kids or anyone for that matter. It never ceases to be a thrill when that tug comes on the end of the line!
We all came away from the Freshwater Fisheries Center with a greater appreciation of aquatic ecosystems. I encourage you to visit the center with your friends and family. It really does have something for everyone - the list goes on; traveling art shows, a fishing museum with antique lures, outdoor pond and stream exhibits with glassed underwater viewing stations to see just what you might meet when your boat goes bottom side up! Plus there are many exhibits especially for kids.
The broad range of life that lives in the rivers and reservoirs of Texas is absolutely amazing. So next time you are out on the water, take a minute to think about protecting and respecting the aquatic environment that supports our favorite sport, paddling.
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Youth Groups 10 or more with reservations 2.50 each
Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center
5550 FM 2495, Athens, TX 75752
(903) 676-2277
Created November 2004