A unit of the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the Tishomingo National Fish Hatchery was established in 1929. Today, the hatchery encompasses 235 acres with 62 ponds, three fish holding houses used primarily as nursery areas, four 20-foot diameter fiberglass circular tanks and six large concrete raceways.

This hatchery raises paddlefish, catfish, alligator gar and alligator snapping turtles. Water for the hatchery is obtained by diverting water from Pennington Creek, where it flows through a mile-long canal to the many ponds and raceways. Being a spring-fed creek, it is a reliable source of clean water during times of drought. The creek has many waterfalls and granite rock outcroppings that are some of the oldest rock formations in the mid-continent region (over 1350 million years old).

Head to the visitor center to see aquariums, color photographic exhibits of the different culture techniques used, and an aquatic ecosystem displays. A display pool with various species of fish, a scenic area with fishing access, a hiking trail and a historic functioning wooden water wheel are also on the grounds. Pennington Creek is a great public fishing site on the hatchery. Fly fishing for smallmouth bass and sunfish are also popular at this wildlife destination.