DNR Hosts Fish Hatchery Open Houses In Kewaunee and Racine for Chance to See Salmon and Trout Up Close
Contact(s): Jason Meacham, Fisheries Technician, Root River Steelhead Facility, 414-750-8382, Jason.Meacham@wisconsin.gov
Mike Baumgartner, Fisheries Technician, Besadny Anadromous Fish Facility, 920-388-1025, Michael.Baumgartner@wisconsin.gov
The Root River open house will include guided tours, hands-on demonstrations of fish spawning, fish and fishing information stations.Photo credit: DNR
MADISON, Wis. - See where Lake Michigan trout and salmon get their start and enjoy a variety of family-friendly fishing-related activities when state fish egg collecting facilities in Kewaunee and Racine hold open houses this October.
The events give fish enthusiasts of all ages a chance to see Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources crews collecting eggs from fish to produce the next generation of Lake Michigan trout and salmon to be raised at state hatcheries and stocked back into the "big pond."
The Besadny Anadromous Fish Facility open house is on Oct. 5, and the Root River Steelhead Facility open house is on Oct. 12. The open houses also offer fun, hands-on learning for fishing skills like fly tying, knot tying, and casting, all in beautiful settings along two major tributaries to Lake Michigan. At both facilities, after DNR staff spawn the fish, they are returned to the rivers, providing good fishing opportunities for shore anglers.
"Come watch with us, have some fun, and get out there fishing," said Brad Eggold, Great Lakes Fisheries District Supervisor.
- On Saturday, Oct. 5, enjoy the Besadny Anadromous Fish Facility Open House from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at N3884 Ransom Moore Lane in Kewaunee. Watch salmon egg collection demonstrations, fish print a T-shirt, enjoy fishing displays and activities and guided facility tours. Also enjoy wagon rides provided by the Algoma Kewaunee Great Lakes Sport Fishermen. Food and beverages will be for sale, and there is an opportunity to adopt a sturgeon for river release.
- On Saturday, Oct. 12, enjoy the 11th annual Salmon Spectacular from 9 a.m. to 3 p. m. at the DNR Root River Steelhead Facility in Lincoln Park in Racine, 2200 Domanik Dr. The open house will include guided tours, hands-on demonstrations of fish spawning, fish and fishing information stations, interactive fishing rod casting lessons, knot tying and fly tying. DNR staff and volunteers from Salmon Unlimited and Trout Unlimited strongly encourage people of all ages to take part in a great day at a great place along the beautiful Root River.
More information on the fish open houses is available on the DNR website.