The Norfork National Fish Hatchery is the largest hatchery in the National Fish Hatchery System. It provides the most economic impact of any National Fish Hatchery. The hatchery is the economic driver of Baxter and Marion Counties. In 2004 the hatchery provided $77.6 million dollars of economic output and created 916 jobs. The Norfork National Fish Hatchery is also the most visited tourist attraction in Baxter County.
The Friends of the Norfork National Fish Hatchery is a nonprofit citizens group chartered by the US Fish and Wildlife Service to support and promote the hatchery. As a citizens group, the Friends is able to promote the hatchery in a manner that the hatchery, as an agency of the federal government, cannot do for itself. If you agree that the Norfork National Fish Hatchery is important to the economic and recreational well being of the Baxter and Marion Counties please join us.
The Friends has activities going on throughout the year. Below is the activities currently scheduled for 2010.
Current Activities
Dry Run Creek Opening Ceremony - Sat. March 13, at 11:00 am
Sowbug Roundup - March 18, 19, & 20 9:00 to 4:00
Annual Membership Meeting - Friday April 9, 6:00 pm (El Chico's)
Dry Run Creek Ribbon Cutting - Sat. April 10, 11:00 am
Norfork Natl. Fish Hatchery Open House - Sat. May 1, 10:00 - 4:00
Norfork Pioneer Days (100th Anniversary) - Saturday May 15
Kid Fishing Derby - Saturday June 12 (Quarry Park)
Cotter Trout Fest - June 18, 19, (Cotter)