FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 2022-09-20

Contact: Jason Meacham, Root River Steelhead Facility Fisheries Technician
Jason.Meacham@wisconsin.gov or 414-750-8382

Austin Gabrielse, Besadny Anadromous Fish Facility Fisheries Technician
Austin.Gabrielse@wisconsin.gov or 920-388-1025

DNR To Host Open Houses At Fish Spawning Facilities In October

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hosting open houses at the Besadny Anadromous Fish Facility and Root River Steelhead Facility in October.

During the open house at Besadny Anadromous Fish Facility in Kewaunee, visitors can watch salmon egg collection demonstrations, enjoy fishing displays, take a guided tour of the facility and adopt a sturgeon for river release. The Algoma Kewaunee Great Lakes Sport Fisherman will be providing wagon rides, and food and drink will be available for sale.

The open house at the Root River Steelhead Facility in Racine will feature guided tours and fish spawning demonstrations. Volunteers from Salmon Unlimited, Trout Unlimited and the Kenosha Sport Fishing and Conservation Association will provide educational fishing stations where visitors can try casting techniques and receive knot- and fly-tying lessons.

“These family-friendly events will offer a great hands-on learning experience for everyone to enjoy,” said Cheryl Masterson, DNR South Lake Michigan Unit Fisheries Supervisor. “Fish enthusiasts of all ages will get a chance to see DNR staff collecting trout and salmon eggs and learn how these facilities support Lake Michigan’s fishery.”

The Besadny Anadromous Fish Facility and Root River Steelhead Facility are unique fish egg collection locations where the public can see fish up close and personal. These facilities are the first step in stocking trout and salmon in Lake Michigan.

Learn more about the open house events on the DNR’s website.