Old State Fish Hatchery

[Bill Jones]

Has anyone been out to the OSFH lately? I hope to get some time off in a week or so and would like to go out that week.

Also are the rules about days/times and calling ahead the same?

Thanks,
Bill

[Administrator]

IF you go see if you can check on the barn owl nest to see if it is being used. It is in the barn facing the small lake.

[Kiwi]

We visited there back in the winter and had a delightful time. There were a lot of ducks but it was too cold to make use of the blind. We spent the short time there walking in order to keep warm.

It's such a peaceful spot. Not many of those left anymore.

[Larry S]

Is this the location listed under "Birding DFW" as the Eagle Mountain Fish Hatchery & Dam? I'd like to visit as well and would be interested in hearing what can be seen this time of year.

[Bill Jones]

Hi Larry,

The Old State Fish Hatchery isn't listed on the current Birding DFW. It is just below the dam of Lake Worth, north or northeast of Burger Lake. Google shows a Fish Hatchery 16 in the area, but I think the OSFH is to the north. Basic direction are from SHW 183 in RiverOaks take Robert's Cut Off north to Meandering Rd and turn west. Follow Meandering past Burger Lake and a Girl Scout (?) camp ground. Follow Hatchery Rd to the entrance. In the past it was only open from 8:00 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday and we were asked to call ahead so they would knoew we were coming. I can't find the phone number right now. Maybe some has a print out of the directions and other information. FWAS has done some clean-up work there in the past and erected blinds to aid in seeing the ducks in the winter.

Bill

[Larry S]

Bill,

Thank you very much for the information, and with that I was able to do a little bit of a follow-up. They would indeed like to be contacted ahead of time, the phone number is 817-732-0761. The gentleman I spoke to said there's usually someone around from about 7:30 AM until 5:00 PM Monday through Friday. He also said Fort Worth Audubon Society has an electronic "key" for the place if someone wanted to get in after-hours (but they'd still like to be notified on that as well).

Larry