Story Fish Hatchery and Visitor Center | Sheridan

Story Fish Hatchery and Visitor Center sits in a calm forested pocket of the Bighorn Mountains foothills near the small community of Story. Surrounded by tall pines, cool mountain air, and the quiet trickle of spring-fed water, the hatchery presents a gentle blend of natural science, conservation work, and laid-back outdoor atmosphere. It’s a small, approachable place where visitors get an inside look at how Wyoming’s trout populations are supported and restored.

Setting and Landscape

The grounds feel tucked away, almost like a clearing discovered accidentally in the woods. Towering evergreens form a protective ring around the site, and the air often carries a crisp scent of pine sap mixed with the freshness of flowing water. A series of raceways and settling ponds stretch across the hatchery yard, their surfaces broken occasionally by the quick, darting movements of trout rising to the surface.

The constant sound of water running through channels creates a steady, soothing background hum, and on cooler mornings a faint mist hangs above the ponds.

Hatchery Operations and Exhibits

The hatchery specializes in rearing several trout species-often rainbow, brown, and lake trout-using cold, clean water sourced from nearby mountain springs. Visitors can watch thousands of young fish in various growth stages, from fingerlings swirling in tight schools to larger trout gliding along the deeper concrete channels.

Inside the visitor center, modest but well-arranged displays outline the life cycle of trout, the role of hatcheries in maintaining healthy fisheries, and the challenges of balancing recreation with conservation. Tanks filled with fish, preserved specimens, maps of regional waters, and interactive panels give a clear sense of the ecological work happening behind the scenes.

Visitor Experience

Walking the grounds feels informal and easygoing. You can lean over railings to see fish gathering near the surface, follow short paths between the ponds, or step into the visitor center for a closer look at local aquatic ecosystems. Families often stop by while traveling between Sheridan and the Bighorns, and children usually linger longest, captivated by the sudden flashes of silver as trout break the surface.

In summer, sunlight reflects off the water in shifting patterns, while in cooler seasons the hatchery takes on a quieter rhythm, with crisp air and the soft crunch of gravel underfoot.

Wildlife and Surroundings

The forested setting attracts more than just fish. Songbirds move through the trees, mule deer occasionally graze near the edge of the grounds, and squirrels dart along the fence lines. The nearby community of Story adds its own touch of mountain calm-small cabins, winding forest roads, and glimpses of the surrounding hills that change color with the seasons.

Atmosphere

Story Fish Hatchery and Visitor Center offers a peaceful pause in the landscape, combining practical conservation work with the natural charm of the forest. The sound of running water, the cool shade of pines, and the sight of trout schooling beneath the surface give the place a grounded, almost meditative quality-a quiet corner of the mountains where nature and stewardship blend seamlessly.