This past weekend, the hubster and I drove to Cassville, Missouri to check in on our daughter’s new home construction. They are about a week out from moving into their new home. Needless to say, they are very excited about it. Not far down the road from their house is Roaring River State Park and Fish Hatchery. I had never been there and we decided to go take a ‘look-see’.
3rd largest spring in Missouri - 20.4 millions gallons per day!
This is the sign just outside the spring entrance. I really liked the spring because once we were in the shade, the temperature dropped about 15 degrees. Ahhhh! Very nice on a 90+ day.
Spring entrance. Yes, that is the real color of that water.
I couldn’t believe the color of the water. Vivid turquoise blue. And, a lot of BIG fish.
Beautiful Big Trout!
Fishing is not allowed in the spring area, but large fish are released from time to time into the Roaring River. There were a lot a people lined up along the river that day. We saw several people catching fish.
Looking straight up from the spring area.
There’s is a trail system that goes over the top of this ridge to a look-out point over the hatchery. We didn’t go up there that day.
Lovely shade and cool water.
This is the view from the spring back towards the hatchery. The spring water is very, VERY cold.
Spring Pool at Roaring River Hatchery
The glare on the water doesn’t show it very well, but there are some really big trout in this pool.
Here's a big one!
Hatchery
There are baby trout in each pool. They vary in size/age according to what pool they are in. The brood stock are kept in two round pools next to the building.
Baby Trout
I understand that it is the trout’s job to eat, sleep, eat, and make more baby trout. It’s what they do. But, as a mother – I just see this and I can just hear what they’d be saying – if only they could speak.
I’m glad I’m not a trout!
Y’all drop by Roaring River next time you’re in Missouri. It is lovely and bring your fishing pole.
