The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) operates the Lost Valley Fish Hatchery northeast of Warsaw on Lost Valley Road. At 969 acres, it is the largest warm water hatchery in Missouri. Fish produced by the hatchery are stocked in rivers and lakes statewide. The hatchery was constructed using funds from MDC and the federal Sport Fish Restoration Act.

Lost Valley Hatchery produces a variety of fish species in 77 rearing ponds. They include walleye, muskellunge, hybrid striped bass, striped bass, channel catfish, hybrid sunfish, fathead minnows, and golden shiners.  The hatchery also raises lake sturgeon and endangered Topeka shiners for restoration stockings.

   

The conservation area at Lost Valley encompasses several natural habitats. They include glades, open woodlands, and grasslands. Small game hunting with shotguns and archery deer hunting is allowed on land east of the entrance road and south of Lost Valley Road. Area users should review signage, boundaries, and regulations. There is ample opportunity to walk, hike, take photos, and bird watch.

Lost Valley Hatchery also provides free educational programs and classes. Examples include fishing lessons, hunter education skills sessions, hunting clinics, outdoor skills, and nature programs. Lost Valley also hosts field trip experiences for schools using MDC’s Discover Nature Schools science curriculum.

       

For a current list of public programs, visit www.mdc.mo.gov/events under Benton County.  You can also text MDC Valley to 468311 to sign up for updates on upcoming programs.  Schools and other groups can schedule programs by contacting Kara Entrop, MDC community education assistant, at 660-438-4465 ext. 6402, or by email at Kara.Entrop@mdc.mo.gov.