San Marcos State Fish Hatchery Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

San Marcos State Fish Hatchery, located in Hays, Texas, is a state-owned facility designed by FISH PRO, INC.


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Summary

The hatchery is regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and is responsible for the production and maintenance of fish populations in the area. The hatchery is situated on the San Marcos River, providing an ideal environment for fish breeding and conservation efforts.

Constructed in 1948, the San Marcos State Fish Hatchery features an earth dam with a height of 21 feet and a length of 3200 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 70 acre-feet and serves multiple purposes, including fish production and conservation. The facility has a spillway type of "Uncontrolled" and one uncontrolled outlet gate. Despite being in fair condition, the hatchery has a moderate risk assessment level (3) and is inspected every 5 years to ensure its safety and functionality.

With its strategic location on the San Marcos River and its essential role in fish production and conservation, the San Marcos State Fish Hatchery is a vital resource for water management and climate enthusiasts. The facility's commitment to maintaining healthy fish populations and its regulation by the TCEQ demonstrate its dedication to environmental stewardship and sustainability. Visitors to the hatchery can witness firsthand the important role it plays in preserving aquatic ecosystems and supporting biodiversity in the region.

Year Completed

1948

Dam Length

3200

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

OFF CH-SAN MARCOS RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9

Hydraulic Height

21

Drainage Area

0.01

Nid Storage

70

Structural Height

21

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 1

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

21
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.