With the completion of the pavilion the Texas Parks and Wildlife made the decision to locate the new fish hatchery across from the Pavilion. The new hatchery replaces the 1932 hatchery built on the Neches river and was named in honor of John D. Parker from Lufkin who served as a Texas Parks and Wildlife Commissioner from 2003 to 2009 and was instrumental in the replacement of the older facility.
The 200 acres for the new hatchery was donated by Jasper County and was financed by Texas Anglers purchases of the Fresh Water Stamp. The hatchery was completed in 2012 and draws water from Lake Sam Rayburn and produces up to 5 million fingerlings for stocking Texas lakes.
The John D. Parker Fish Hatchery offers tours for individuals or groups of 10 or less on Tuesday’s at 2 p.m. and on Friday’s at 10 a.m. Tours for groups larger than 10 are scheduled by appointment.
