Fishing

Hatcheries and rearing stations

DNR's hatcheries, egg collection facilities, and rearing stations raise millions of fish to be stocked yearly in lakes and rivers where there is little or no natural reproduction. Hundreds of waters statewide get this help to provide more fishing…

Governor Tommy G. Thompson State Fish Hatchery

Hatchery information Governor Tommy G. Thompson Fish Hatchery is not only the state's largest cool water facility, but it is also the world´s largest musky (muskellunge) hatchery. For many years, the hatchery produces more than half the…

C.D. "Buzz" Besadny Anadromous Fish Facility

  Hatchery information Hatchery hours Open in the summer, fall and spring any day of the year during daylight hours. (Note: hours are subject to change without notice) Brochure Download the Besadny brochure [PDF]

Brule State Fish Hatchery

Hatchery information Hatchery Hours (Note: hours are subject to change without notice) Hours: Rearing station grounds are open 8:00 a.m. – to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Sunday all year, Visitor Center Hours are subject to change without notice,

Besadny Anadromous Fish Facility and Root River Steelhead Facility Open Houses 2023

Wisconsin's state fish hatcheries

Keep the state fish hatcheries in mind when planning your vacation route. They offer great opportunities to see fish as well as view exhibits that trace the life cycles of the fish reared at those facilities. You can also learn about techniques…

Trap net safety on the Great Lakes

TRAP NETS Trap nets are large underwater nets used by commercial fishers to catch whitefish and let sportfish go. They pose a potential hazard for anglers and other boaters. Downriggers, fishing lines, and propellors can get caught in the nets or…

Get the lead out

Did you know that one lead split shot is enough to kill a twelve-pound loon? Lead poisoning from ingested tackle usually occurs in one of two ways, a lead jig head is swallowed by a fish, or lost lead tackle is picked up along with small stones…

Fish kill or diseased fish - what should I do?

If you catch a diseased fish or observe a fish kill take the following steps:

Fish diseases

Even though we are reporting on fish disease in Wisconsin, we encourage you to continue to enjoy your fishing experiences. The information we have gathered for you is to help prevent the spread of the diseases and as information so you know what…