July 2021 • Nebraskaland 49
Boats can launch from the boat ramp and dock that is
visible when you enter the SRA. All boats are allowed at
Rock Creek, and it's not uncommon to see large bass boats to
smaller jon boats and kayaks on the no-wake lake.
Whether it's fi shing, camping, hiking or a quiet place to
relax, consider Rock Creek SRA this summer.
Rock Creek Hatchery
Rock Creek State Fish Hatchery sits just north of the SRA
at the headwaters of Rock Creek. Established in 1924 because
of the abundant coldwater spring fl ow. It is one of fi ve state
fi sh hatcheries operated by the Nebraska Game and Parks
Commission. Rock Creek Hatchery produces nearly half of
the trout stocked annually in Nebraska. Rainbow, brown, and
hybrid tiger trout, are a staple at the hatchery. Other fi sh raised
at the hatchery include: wipers, bluegill, bluegill green sunfi sh
hybrids, rock bass, yellow perch, redear sunfi sh, and grass carp.
Rock Creek Hatchery is overseen by Julie Fraley, the state's
fi rst woman fi sh production manager. Fraley started working
at the hatchery in 2012 before earning her new position there.
The hatchery is open to the public. To schedule a tour, call
(308) 423-2080, or check out our latest video on the hatchery
on the Commission's YouTube channel.
N
An aerial photo shows Rock Creek Lake State Recreation Area in Dundy County.
ERIC FOWLER, NEBRASKALAND
These trout swim in a hatchery pond at Rock Creek hatchery
and will soon be stocked into Nebraska waters.
JULIE GEISER, NEBRASKALAND
