Jack D. Bayless Hatchery and St Stephen Fish Lift - Dennis Wildlife Center

Santee Cooper Country

This complex serves as a regional center for wildlife and freshwater fisheries research and management. There are two components to this complex - the Jack D. Bayless Hatchery and the St. Stephen Fish Lift. The Bayless Hatchery is the nerve center for the striped bass culture in the nation and serves as a fish culture hub for striped bass, hybrid bass and other fish species. It is the largest producer of striped bass larvae in the world, with larvae being shipped to some 30 states, Russia, New Zealand and South Africa. Unique to the state and the Southeast, the fish lift (or fish lock) at St. Stephen dam affords safe passage for fish migrating upstream to spawn and permits visitors a close-up, underwater view through a glass window. The St. Stephen fish lift is located on the rediversion canal and is generally open for tours March 15th- April 30th; 9AM-3PM. Fish migration is a natural phenomenon, therefore the touring season may change slightly from year to year. For more information or to schedule a tour, please call 843-825-3387.

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