MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced the dates for fall open houses at two fish spawning facilities and two fish hatcheries. Over the coming weeks, the DNR will host open houses at the Governor Tommy G. Thompson Fish Hatchery, Besadny Anadromous Fish Facility, Root River Steelhead Facility and the Wild Rose Fish Hatchery.
Each of these free events will give attendees a chance to see fish up close and learn how hatcheries and spawning facilities help sustain Wisconsin’s fish populations.
Join the DNR on Saturday, Sept. 27 starting at 10 a.m. at the Governor Tommy G. Thompson Fish Hatchery open house at 951 West Maple Street in Spooner. The open house will feature family fun activities, guided hatchery tours and fish pumping demonstrations.
On Saturday, Oct. 11, the public is invited to the Besadny Anadromous Fish Facility open house, located at N3884 Ransom Moore Lane in Kewaunee. Stop by any time between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to watch salmon egg collection demonstrations, enjoy educational displays and take a guided tour of the facility. The Algoma Kewaunee Great Lakes Sport Fishermen will also be providing wagon rides.
The Root River Steelhead Facility open house will take place Saturday, Oct. 11 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 2200 Domanik Drive, Lincoln Park in Racine. The event will feature guided tours and fish spawning demonstrations. Volunteers from Salmon Unlimited, Trout Unlimited and the Milwaukee Great Lakes Sport Fishermen will be providing educational fishing stations where visitors can try new casting techniques and receive knot and fly-tying lessons.
The final open house of the fall will be held Saturday, Oct. 25 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Wild Rose State Fish Hatchery’s education center, located at N5871 State Road 22 in Wild Rose. This event will celebrate the annual fall salmon migration. There will be games and educational activities for people of all ages, including learning to cast workshops, fish identification tips or the chance to “swim” upriver like salmon on their migratory journey to spawning areas. Other fish activities include fish printing on tote bags, building a spinnerbait, making Kool-Aid clay fish and touring the original 1908 hatchery and the modern operation.
Last Update: Sep 09, 2025 11:47 am CDT
