Educational Programming at TFFC

Freshwater Fisheries Experience

ANNOUNCEMENT: The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center is currently closed to the public for renovations with a tentative reopening in Spring 2025. More details about the renovation can be found in this news release.

 

Group Field Trips

We focus on freshwater fish management in Texas. During a field trip, schools, clubs, scout and other youth groups are introduced to fish production, angling skills, habitat conservation and how these contribute to the state's waterways and recreation.

Groups may participate in:

  • fishing at our casting ponds
  • attending a native fish feeding program
  • viewing our outdoor hatchery on a tram tour
  • walking the wetland trail

We encourage you to prepare your classes for the field trip by completing pre-visit activities. Resources for appropriate activities can be found under Teacher Resources. Visit the Guidelines for Group Visits section to help you prepare for this field trip.

Group reservations two weeks or more in advance guarantees the school/youth admission rate. This also guarantees a dedicated time for each activity if groups can stay for at least a four-hour block. Fill out the online reservation form and you will receive confirmation and further information for your trip.


Fly Fishing Instruction

Fly fishing instruction for beginner and intermediate levels is available at scheduled times by reservation. All equipment is furnished, but you may bring your own. Classes are held in the Hart-Morris Conservation Center. Recommended minimum age is 12, and a fee is charged. Please check the calendar of events for schedule information.


Hunter Education

Hunter education classes are offered at TFFC at various times during the year. The wetlands trail at TFFC also serves as a hunter skills trail for students from the East Texas area. Instructors may bring their classes to TFFC for this purpose. No admission fee is charged for use of the hunter skills trail, but reservations are required.

View class schedules and complete information on hunter education.


Fish Art Contest

Fish Art ContestTFFC is the official host for the Texas Fish Art Contest sponsored by Wildlife Forever. Students in grades 4 through 12 are invited to create an illustration of an official state fish and write a composition on its behavior, habitat and conservation. Students in K-3 may also submit a drawing; the written composition is not required for this age group. For entry forms and more information, visit our contest page.


Special Programs

TFFC offers outdoor-related workshops, professional development and special classes on an occasional basis. In the past we have offered workshops in both film and digital photography as well as teacher workshops on aquatic education. Please check the calendar of events for upcoming programs.

For more information, contact:

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