Planning a visit to Michigan's state fish hatcheries this summer

Michigan Department of Natural Resources sent this bulletin at 05/31/2019 11:00 AM EDT

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Side of fish stocking truck that reads "Fish for the Future"

Michigan's state fish hatcheries are where the Department of Natural Resources hatches eggs and raises fish. These fish are then stocked in lakes, rivers and streams.

This summer can be a great time to visit any of our six state fish hatcheries - located all throughout Michigan. Free and open to the public, you can get an up-close look at how we do this kind of work!

Our State Fish Hatcheries:

Harrietta  ►

The oldest operating state fish hatchery in Michigan opened in 1901. Both rainbow and brown trout are reared here. Come see the birthplace of brown trout in Michigan! 

Oden ►

The original hatchery opened in 1920, but was replaced by a brand-new facility in 2002. Oden rears brown and rainbow trout and is home to a replica fish transportation rail car. Check out Oden's official visitor center!

Thompson ►

This hatchery opened in 1922 and produces Chinook salmon, steelhead and walleye. Come by after visiting Palms Book State Park!

Marquette ►

This hatchery was established in 1920 and is the primary broodstock and rearing facility for brook and lake trout. Come see the only place we rear splake! 


Platte River ►

This facility was established in 1928 and was converted as Michigan's main salmon hatchery in 1972. They rear Atlantic, Chinook and coho salmon. Check out the main egg-take location for coho in the Upper Great Lakes!

Wolf Lake ►

The hatchery was established in 1927 and currently produces steelhead, Chinook salmon, walleye & Great Lakes muskellunge. Come see the amazing show pond full of fish!

Check out the DNR Stamp and Go Guide!

Cover of DNR Stamp & Go Guide

Inspired by this year’s centennial celebration, the Department of Natural Resources has released an all-new Stamp & Go Guide to help visitors log and plan state park and hatchery visits.

The guide features photos and brief descriptions of each state park and fish hatchery, maps, kid-friendly activities and more.

Visitors can get their guides stamped at more than 100 locations and officially log visits to state parks and fish hatcheries across the state. Stop by campground offices or check with local staff to find out where guides are being stamped.

You can pick up a guide at most Michigan state parks, recreation areas or at the Oden and Wolf Lake state fish hatchery visitor centers for just $5. For those purchased during 2019 (the state park centennial year), a special gold commemorative sticker will come with the booklet.