Story Fish Hatchery and Visitor Center | Sheridan

Information

Landmark: Story Fish Hatchery and Visitor Center
City: Sheridan
Country: USA Wyoming
Continent: North America

Story Fish Hatchery and Visitor Center, Sheridan, USA Wyoming, North America

The Story Fish Hatchery and Visitor Center is a facility dedicated to fish propagation and public education, located in Sheridan, Wyoming, USA.

It operates as a component of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.

Visual Characteristics

The hatchery complex consists of several concrete buildings with metal roofs, painted in neutral tones such as grey and beige. The visitor center features large windows for natural light. Surrounding the buildings are numerous outdoor raceways, constructed from concrete, where fish are raised. The landscape is generally flat with managed vegetation, primarily grass and some deciduous trees.

Location & Access Logistics

The Story Fish Hatchery is situated approximately 10 miles east of downtown Sheridan, Wyoming. Access is via Interstate 90 East, taking Exit 43 (Story/U.S. 14 East). Continue on U.S. 14 East for approximately 3 miles. Turn right onto Hatchery Road. The facility has a dedicated parking lot for visitor vehicles. Public transport options are not available to the hatchery.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Established in 1951, the Story Fish Hatchery was constructed to support the stocking of trout species in Wyoming's lakes and streams. Its primary purpose is the propagation of cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, and brown trout to maintain and enhance recreational fishing opportunities. The site was chosen for its access to reliable water sources.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can observe the fish culture process through viewing windows in the hatchery buildings. Educational exhibits detailing the life cycle of trout and the hatchery's operations are available in the visitor center. Self-guided walks along the raceways allow for direct observation of different age classes of fish. Fishing is not permitted within the hatchery grounds.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available within the visitor center. Limited shaded areas are provided by trees around the visitor center. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available. No on-site food vendors are present; visitors should plan to bring their own food and beverages.

Best Time to Visit

The visitor center is open year-round during daylight hours. For optimal viewing of young fish, spring (April-June) is recommended. The best time of day for photography is mid-morning or late afternoon when the sun angle provides softer light on the raceways.

Facts & Legends

A specific operational detail is the hatchery's use of spring-fed water, which maintains a consistent temperature of approximately 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) year-round, ideal for trout growth. There are no widely documented local legends associated with the hatchery itself.