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The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens, is currently closed and undergoing some changes.

Updating all the state of the art exhibits and adding additional aquariums to the already one of a kind facility. Updates and improvements as well as completely new exhibits are planned.

A multitude of anglers have caught their first fish at one of the center’s fishing ponds. Keep in mind the TFFC is home to a working hatchery (45 ponds), laboratory and education center. The education aspect is important at the center and the numbers show this.

Many schoolkids have made the trip to Athens to check out all there is at the TFFC and students make up about 1/3 of the annual visitors.

The facility first opened its doors to the public in 1996. In the history of the center, over 1 million visitors have passed through the facility. The 106 acre campus is the result of private individuals as well as multiple organizations contributions.

The TFFC is home to over 300,000 gallons of aquariums, ponds, water exhibits and anything related to Texas aquatics and habitat. The TFFC is also home to the Toyota Sharelunker Program where anglers submit largemouth bass over 13 pounds for research study and spawning purposes. Fishing rodeos, fireworks displays and the world famous Diver Shows are all part of the TFFC. The divers feed and interact with the fish in an aquarium in front of live audiences, this has to be seen to believe.

There is a walking trail that stretches for nearly one mile. Visitors can walk the trail at their leisure, seeing Texas inhabitants of waterways and wetlands.

In the “Reservoir Habitat” visitors can find over 50 different species of fish, reptiles and even mammals, all from Texas. Not to be outdone, there are over 150 different species of Texas plants, trees and shrubs in their natural setting. Add in a seasonal wildflower display and visitors will have a complete idea of Texas and her natural resources.

The updated and improved version should be nothing short of spectacular.

Donations of over $4.5 million have been secured by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation to pay for the renovations.

Read that again — 100% of all renovation money was donated.

The renovations are scheduled to be complete sometime in the Spring of 2025. I am sure there will be some sort of “Grand Reopening” so make plans to take the entire family.

Check the link out below to check for progress and news.

https://tpwd.texas.gov/spdest/visitorcenters/tffc/