Norfork National Fish Hatchery

lies near the base of Norfork Dam.  This "is the nation's largest federal trout production facility.  Two million rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout are raised for restocking areas impacted by the construction of dams, primarily in the tail waters of Norfork and Bull Shoals dams, and also other areas in cooperation with agencies in Arkansas and nearby states."  U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

We were in Mountain Home for business so we stopped by to have a look see.

There have been rumors it was closing but I verified they were repairing and soon would be back to full operational capacity.

The hatchery has been a constant in our lives.  We enjoyed visiting with our children and their children.  A free place to see how fish are "made" and just enjoy the views and the fresh fish air.

Each runway has it's own age and type of trout.

The young fry in different stages are kept indoors.

I had my pocket Canon Power Shot but I kept clicking.

They transport and release their fish where they are needed.

Outside the runways and the fish are progressively bigger.

Nets cover the area to prevent water birds 

and other fish eaters from having a picnic.

Before I reached the end of the "runways" I knew why there were fans in the nursery. It was HOT.  I thought y'all could take my word that waaaaayyy down there are the big trout.  I headed for the truck, AC and a cold drink.  Hubby had enjoyed watching people catch fish.

We'll be back on a cooler day.

Dam, Heart, River, Fog, Fence

At the base of the Norfork Dam is Norfork River, famous for Rainbow trout fishing.  They have a wonderful area where children can fish but it is a catch and release area.  Why?  There is a fish hatchery right there and I guess they don't want them all caught before the Norfork joins the White River, also famous for Trout fishing, Brown and Rainbow.

It was raining as we came through after Hubby heart check up...yep, he still has one.

I asked him to stop.  I wanted pictures.

In the rain?

I don't care.  I want pictures.

These steps took me to Dry Run Creek.

 to see this

and this in the rain.

The steps back seems much steeper but

if you notice my little orb is with me.

 The fog was rolling in but there were people fishing every where.

The minimal flow pipe was running along with two flood gates.

The pictures do not do Norfork River justice.

The beauty was breathtaking.

I kept moving closer and closer to get a good shot.

The fog was winning but I finally got the flood gates.

 And I got a rock.  Did that surprise anybody?

This is the power station below the dam.

Sometimes power is generated, but here's the kicker

The power is bought by another state!

The power plant in enclosed with a chain link fence.

For Good Fences at Run*A*Round*Ranch.