The Chesapeake Fish Hatchery produces a variety of warm and cool water fish species. Over one million channel catfish are hatched annually, many of these distributed to private pond owners. Bass and bluegill are also produced for private ponds. Walleye, muskellunge, hybrid striped bass, flathead catfish and grass carp are produced for many of Missouri's lakes.
The hatchery is an ultra-modern facility consisting of 24 ponds, 12 raceways and a large hatchery building. The hatchery is open to the public and tours are available to organized groups.