The fish hatchery was built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, following construction of Gavins Point Dam.

[1] Hatchery staff rear threatened and endangered fish species, including the Pallid sturgeon and American paddlefish.

The hatchery also rears and stocks many game fish species including: walleye, Bluegill, yellow perch, Rainbow trout, Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Black crappie and others throughout the Missouri River Region.

The hatchery complex is open to the public and contains a small exhibit area, administrative offices, 2 hatching jar batteries, 9 indoor cement tanks, workshop, and feed room.

Six 1/6 acre and 30 1.3-acre earthen ponds are used to for raising cool and warm water fish.