Crawford State Park Fish Hatch

For outdoor enthusiasts and families across Kansas, the Crawford State Park Fish Hatchery—formally known as the Farlington Fish Hatchery—is an often-overlooked yet critical facility nestled in the beautiful setting of Crawford County. While the facility is primarily a working state operation under the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP), its proximity to Crawford State Park and the vital conservation work conducted here make it a fascinating point of interest for visitors and a true local asset.

The facility’s primary role is not to function as a traditional “campground,” as the park designation in its name refers to the surrounding state park rather than dedicated camping sites directly on the hatchery grounds. Its focus is entirely on fish production and conservation. However, it is an essential part of the larger Crawford State Park complex, offering unique interpretive opportunities and contributing directly to the excellent fishing for which Lake Crawford and other Kansas public waters are known. Here, conservationists raise and distribute numerous species, including Channel Catfish, Blue Catfish, and Striped Bass hybrids (Wipers), ensuring healthy fish populations for anglers across the state.

This location is Good for kids because it offers a tangible look at conservation in action, especially if a tour is arranged. It serves as a quieter, educational complement to the recreational offerings of the nearby state park, making it a valuable stop for any family visiting the Farlington area.

The Farlington Fish Hatchery is located just north of Crawford State Park in Crawford County, a short distance from the lake it relies on for its water supply. Its location is easily accessible, yet tucked away enough to provide a peaceful, rural environment characteristic of Southeast Kansas.

Key location and access details:

• Address: 101 Hatchery Rd, Farlington, KS 66734, USA. This places it north of the town of Girard and near the Frontier Military Historic Byway.
• Connection to State Park: The hatchery is physically connected to the main Crawford State Park area via an interpretive trail, which was established shortly after the hatchery's construction was completed following World War II.
• Accessibility: Access is via well-maintained county roads. The area provides On-site parking for visitors looking to stop by, take a reserved tour, or simply view the exterior of the facility.
• Environment: The hatchery features a complex of thirty earthen ponds that span more than 32 surface acres. This area is a haven for birds and other local wildlife, offering great opportunities for passive nature observation.

While the hatchery itself is not a camping area, its close relationship with Crawford State Park means that excellent camping facilities—including primitive, electric-only, and water/electric sites—are just minutes away on the state park grounds, easily accommodating anyone interested in a multi-day visit to the region.

As a state-operated fish production facility, the services offered at the Farlington Fish Hatchery are focused on conservation, education, and the management of Kansas's aquatic resources rather than visitor accommodations like a traditional campground.

The core services and functions provided are:

• Fish Production: Raising and managing 11 different sport fish species, including Channel Catfish, Blue Catfish, Largemouth Bass, and Wipers, for stocking Kansas public waters. This production ensures robust fishing opportunities across the state.
• Public Tours: Tours of the hatchery are available to the public, typically by prior arrangement with the KDWP staff. These tours offer a behind-the-scenes look at fish propagation, from the "fish house" used for hatching and sorting to the vast earthen production ponds.
• Educational Opportunities: The hatchery staff provides valuable information on fish biology, conservation techniques, and the history of the facility, which began construction in 1939.
• Resource Management: Staff oversee the production and distribution of millions of fish annually, playing a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance and sport fishing quality of lakes like Crawford State Lake.
• Information Source: The hatchery acts as a local resource for anglers, often providing updates and advice on fishing conditions and stockings in the region.

Visitors should be aware that, unlike a commercial campground, this is a working facility. Amenities like public restrooms, showers, and picnic areas are generally located at the adjacent Crawford State Park, not on the hatchery grounds itself, though the facility offers dedicated parking.

The Farlington Fish Hatchery's most significant features are its conservation achievements and its tangible connection to the sport of fishing in Kansas. The site offers a unique perspective on the state's natural resource management.

The most important features and highlights include:

• Vital Conservation Role: The facility is a cornerstone of the KDWP's efforts, producing hundreds of thousands of fingerlings and advanced fish each year to sustain the state’s fishing industry and recreational sport.
• Interpretive Trail Access: An interpretive trail system connects the hatchery to the historical areas of Crawford State Park, providing an easy, enjoyable walk through the local ecosystem and history.
• "Fish House" Viewing (By Appointment): During peak times, especially April and June, visitors on a tour can view various life stages of fish in the indoor holding and sorting facilities, offering a fascinating look at the aquatic world.
• Historic Infrastructure: The complex of 30 earthen ponds and the main facility represent a successful conservation effort dating back to the late 1930s, providing a unique historical element.
• Exceptional Bird Watching: The pond dikes and riparian corridors around the hatchery are excellent places for birding and observing local fauna in a tranquil, non-motorized environment.
• Good for Kids: The educational aspect of seeing where the fish that populate Kansas lakes come from is a big draw, making this an engaging and informative stop for children.

For specific information regarding tours, hatchery operations, or to schedule a visit, please use the direct contact details for the Farlington Fish Hatchery (not the main State Park office):

• Address: 101 Hatchery Rd, Farlington, KS 66734, USA
• Phone: (620) 362-4166 (This is the dedicated Hatchery phone number, distinct from the State Park office)
• Email: Inquiries can often be directed to the main KDWP email for the area, but calling the hatchery directly is best for tour arrangements.
• Tours: Must be scheduled in advance, so be sure to call ahead before your visit to ensure staff availability.

The Crawford State Park Fish Hatchery is worth choosing for any Kansas local interested in conservation, history, or fishing. While the location is often mislabeled as a traditional campground by mapping services, what you are choosing here is an opportunity to connect with the source of the high-quality fishing found in Southeast Kansas.

It is an ideal day-use or educational supplement to a camping trip at the nearby Crawford State Park. By visiting the hatchery, you gain a deeper appreciation for the work that goes into managing the state’s fish populations. It’s a peaceful, highly specialized facility that delivers a unique, family-friendly educational experience you won't find at a standard park. Choosing to stop here is choosing to see how the KDWP works to keep Kansas waters healthy and its fishing legendary.

Crawford State Park Fish Hatch

101 Hatchery Rd, Farlington, KS 66734, USA