From 1933 to 1939 the Civilian Conservation Corps worked to create the beautiful stonework in the park. The hatchery's dam, stone pools and buildings appear to be a natural part of the environment. The Conservation Commission was created in 1937. The first commissioners reasoned that since trout were not native to Missouri and since raising them to stocking size was expensive, the trout fishery in the state should pay its own way. Accordingly they established a 25-cent daily tag.
Anglers have a lot of options and opportunities.
The Conservation Department now stocks the upper 1.6 miles of stream each night from March 1 to October 31 at 2.25 fish per angler expected the next day. Artificial lures, flies and any soft plastic bait resembling an egg, worm or grub can be used in Zone 1. An additional 1.4 miles of stream, referred to as Zone 3, is stocked twice each week. Rules allow natural or artificial lures or bait. While fishing is a little more of a challenge in this area, it is well worth the effort.