Angling opportunities created by Michigan’s state fish hatcheries

Fishing in Michigan

Michigan’s state fish hatcheries were developed in the 1870s in an effort to produce the species, strain and size of fish needed by managers to create a dynamic fishery in Michigan’s water bodies.

State fish hatcheries are still critical to the efforts of the Department of Natural Resources to restore, enhance and create new fishing opportunities in Michigan’s various water bodies. These efforts are supported by six state fish hatcheries located throughout the upper and lower peninsulas.

Fall is a great time to visit any state fish hatchery as they participate in egg-take activities. These activities consist of collecting eggs and milt (sperm) from fish to reproduce specific species that will be reared at the hatcheries. These activities can often be viewed by the public.

All of Michigan’s state fish hatcheries are free to visit. Many offer guided or self-guided tours.

Harrietta State Fish Hatchery
This hatchery, established in 1901, is the state’s oldest fish rearing facility. It is located in Harrietta (northwest of Cadillac) and focuses on rearing rainbow trout (steelhead) and brown trout. For more information, visit: www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-153-10364_52259_28277-22495--,00.html.

Marquette State Fish Hatchery
Established in 1920, this hatchery is the primary facility for rearing brook trout and lake trout in Michigan. It is located just to the southeast of downtown Marquette. For more information, visit: www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-153-10364_52259_28277-22460--,00.html.

Oden State Fish Hatchery
Located in Alanson (near Petoskey), this hatchery was established in 1921 and rears brown trout and rainbow trout (steelhead). For more information, visit: www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-153-10364_52259_28277-22423--,00.html.

Thompson State Fish Hatchery
This hatchery, established in 1922, is located in Manistique and focuses on rearing Chinook salmon, rainbow trout (steelhead) and brown trout. Walleye are also produced at Thompson State Fish Hatchery. For more information, visit: www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-153-10364_52259_28277-22486--,00.html.

Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery
Established in 1927, this hatchery produces a variety of species; including Chinook salmon, rainbow trout (steelhead), walleye, northern pike and muskellunge. Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery is located in Mattawan (near Kalamazoo). For more information, visit: www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-153-10364_52259_28277-22498--,00.html.

Platte River State Fish Hatchery
Located in Beulah (near Traverse City), this hatchery was established in 1928 and is the state’s main location for coho and Chinook salmon rearing. For more information, visit: www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-153-10364_52259_28277-22491--,00.html.

To learn more about Michigan’s state fish hatcheries and the important roles they play in creating world-class fishing opportunities, visit www.michigan.gov/hatcheries.


Still time to target panfish!
Fall can be a fun time to fish – even for beginning anglers targeting panfish like bluegill, pumpkinseed and sunfish. Check out our new video below that provides detail on how to use simple equipment to have a successful fishing trip.



For all things Fishing in Michigan - visit www.michigan.gov/fishing.