The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC), joined by local, state, and federal dignitaries, celebrated the completion of a $16 million renovation of the Joe Hogan State Fish Hatchery- the largest public warmwater fish hatchery of its kind in the United States.
The nearly century-old hatchery, located in Lonoke, plays a foundational role in supporting Arkansas’s fisheries. The facility was originally constructed in 1928 on a 266-acre rice farm, with early ponds dug by mules and shovels. Since then, it has evolved into a national leader in fish production, pioneering techniques in catfish propagation and Florida bass stocking.
“The Joe Hogan Hatchery is not just a facility; it’s a living testament to Arkansas’s commitment to robust fisheries,” said AGFC Chairman Anne Marie Doramus.
Over its lifetime, the hatchery has produced hundreds of millions of fish for stocking public waters. In just the last 25 years, it generated over 370 million fish, totaling 4.8 million pounds, said AGFC Director Doug Schoenrock.
Key Renovation Highlights:
Water Reuse System: A cutting-edge filtration and recycling setup now enables 70% of the 200 acres of ponds and 90% of hatchery building water to be reused.
“This system will save more than 517 million gallons of water annuallyequivalent to the entire water usage of a city the size of Mountain Home,” said AGFC Deputy Director Ben Batten.
Lighting and Temperature Control: The hatchery now spawns Florida largemouth bass earlier in the year, giving them a survival edge and boosting trophy bass potential in Arkansas lakes.
Production Support for Renovated Lakes: The facility supplies fish to lakes undergoing restoration, including Lake Monticello, Lake Poinsett, and upcoming restocking for Lakes Conway and Wilhelmina.
Originally known as the Lonoke Fish Hatchery, the facility was renamed in 1956 to honor Joe Hogan, who oversaw operations from 1928 to 1960 and helped build it from the ground up.
Today, the hatchery is the primary producer of catfish for Arkansas’s Family and Community Fishing Program, stocking over 500,000 catfish annually for public enjoyment.
With its major renovation complete, the Joe Hogan Hatchery is poised to lead Arkansas into the next generation of aquaculture and sustainable fish production, reinforcing its status as a cornerstone of Arkansas’s rich outdoor legacy.
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