Fisheries Center Is the Reel Deal
Published Dec 15, 2008
Allen Forshage says many people are surprised after they visit the Edwin L. Cox Jr. Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens.
“They are amazed that a world-class, aquatic-based facility exists in a small community such as Athens,” says Forshage, Fisheries Center director.
The center, which runs on a $2 million annual budget, includes 300,000 gallons of water in aquariums that display 40 species of native fish, alligators and amphibians.
“All of our aquariums were designed by the same people who designed the many amazing aquariums in New Orleans,” Forshage says.
The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center is an $18 million facility whose attractions also include a casting pond and production fish hatchery. The center, run by the Inland Fisheries Division of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, lures more than 60,000 people each year, with 30,000 of those visitors opting to fish in the stocked casting pond. Some 20,000 annual visitors are school children.
“If a family wants to have a nice outing and go fishing, they can enjoy a great day here for a very low fee,” Forshage says. Admission is $5.50 for adults and $3.50 for children.
The casting pond at the center is stocked with rainbow trout and channel catfish. However, the center is responsible for stocking much more than just the on-site casting pond.
“We are actually one of only five state hatcheries that produce fish for stocking into Texas waters,” Forshage says. “It has resulted in Texas becoming one of the best fishing states in the nation, especially thanks to the successful production of largemouth bass.”
The center raises some largemouth that can grow to 13 pounds or larger by the time the bass are stocked into lakes and rivers.
“An ultimate goal of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is to produce a new world record largemouth bass,” Forshage says. “It would be nice to someday have a world record with ties to our specific hatchery.”
The complex includes a one-mile wetlands nature trail as well as an interactive scuba diving show and a visitor center. A tram ride lets visitors learn about the hatchery process.
In 2007, the center received the Sport Fish Restoration Award for Aquatic Education, presented annually by the American Fisheries Society.
“A lot happens here at our Fisheries Center,” Forshage says. “We welcome everyone to stop by and be surprised at just how much we have to offer.”
Story by Kevin Litwin
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