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iPhone Photo Essay: Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens, Texas

Athens Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (photo by Tui Snider)
Athens Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (photo by Tui Snider)

Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center

Have you ever been to a zoo where you could hunt? Me, neither! I did, however, recently visit an aquarium where you can fish: The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (TFFC) in Athens, Texas.

TFFC is actually much more than just a place to view fish. It’s a full production freshwater fish hatchery dedicated to the preservation of Texas wetlands.

Athens Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (photo by Tui Snider)
Athens Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (photo by Tui Snider)

Aquariums and Exhibits

If you’ve ever been curious about the ecology of freshwater lakes you can see it up close and personal at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center. TFFC offers 300,000 gallons of freshwater fish exhibits, featuring catfish, gar, bass and more. I especially enjoyed the alligator exhibit and the freshwater stream section.

Athens Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (photo by Tui Snider)
Athens Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (photo by Tui Snider)

Interactive Dive Show and Tram Tour

I suggest timing your visit so that you can see the freshwater dive show. (Scroll to the bottom of this article for a list of dive times.) There’s a pre-show movie which gives an overview of all the projects TFFC is involved in.

After that, a suited diver jumps into the tank, feeds several species of fish, tells you about their life cycle, then answers questions from audience members.

Immediately after the dive show, there’s a free tram tour of the freshwater fish production facility. This is definitely worth it, and gives you another chance to ask questions. The staff and volunteers are friendly and enthusiastic.

Alligator at the Athens Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (photo by Tui Snider)
Alligator at the Athens Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (photo by Tui Snider)

Wetland Trail

If you’re up to it, instead of riding the tram back to the main facility, walk back along the gorgeous wetland trail. It’s paved, so it’s easily maneuverable for strollers and wheelchairs.

The trail is like an outdoor museum offering educational exhibits along the way. You can press buttons at a little gazebo to hear bird calls, for instance, or peek into a honeybee hive as you stroll.

Athens Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (photo by Tui Snider)
Athens Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (photo by Tui Snider)

Free Fishing at Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center

If you get the urge to fish, the TFFC staff will let you borrow a rod, reel, bait and even give you a fishing lesson. You can then mosey out to the shaded fishing ponds and give it a try. Who knows? You may wind up having fish for dinner after a visit to TFFC.

Hours, Admission, Parking & Address

Official website:
Click here to visit the official Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center website.

Address:
5550 F.M. 2495, Athens, Texas 75752

Hours of Admission:
9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. from Tuesday – Saturday
1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Sundays

Holiday closures:
Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day and Easter Sunday.

Movie and Interactive Dive Show Hours:
11:00 a.m. Tuesday – Friday
11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Saturday
2:00 p.m. only on Sunday

Admission Prices:
Adults (age 13-64) $5.50
Children (age 4-12) and Seniors(age 65+) $4.50
Children under 4 years of age are free
Please leave all pets at home.

Parking: Parking is free.

Please note: While all the above information is accurate as of this writing, hours, prices and so forth are subject to change. C’est la vie, baby!

Tui Snider
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Published inTravel Photo Essays

15 Comments

  1. The duck photo, I love it!
    Is that an underwater camera or is the duck behind glass?

    I recently read your interview over at byteful.com and was re-introduced to your blog. Loving it! Loving you!

    • mentalmosaic mentalmosaic

      Hi Tathata,

      Thanks for swinging by. Glad you enjoyed the Byteful interview!

      I took all the photos in this post with my iPhone 3. The duck was just swimming around in one of the many great outdoor display tanks they have here. It is such a cool place. Really offered a great view of the ducks, as you can see!

      ~Tui

  2. I had no idea that a fishery would be so interesting. I’m a confirmed non-fisher person, but I love aquariums. Putting it on the list!

    • mentalmosaic mentalmosaic

      Hi Jane,

      I enjoy watching fish more than catching them, too. This place is a lot of fun and the staff is very friendly. You can tell they enjoy working there and sharing what they know about nature. I hope you get a chance to check it out!

      ~Tui

    • mentalmosaic mentalmosaic

      Thanks for the Tweet love, Michael! :) ~Tui

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