Page 80
Wild Rose Fish Hatchery produces fish to stock in Wisconsin lakes and rivers The 100-year-old Wild Rose State Fish Hatchery is the third oldest hatchery owned by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR), raising fish since 1908. Wild Rose also recently completed the newest, most state-of-the-art hatchery renovation in the state of Wisconsin and the midwest. There are two hatcheries at the Wild Rose facility, including a coldwater hatchery that produces 2.5 million brown trout, Coho salmon and Chinook salmon for Lake Michigan each year, and a coolwater hatchery that raises walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, and lake sturgeon for stocking in lakes and rivers throughout Wisconsin. Three-year-old Wild Rose brown trout from the broodstock raised in the hatchery have also been stocked in area lakes and streams for a great challenge for anglers in local waters. With the introduction of VHS (viral hemorrhagic septicemia) in Wisconsin waters in 2007, the hatchery staff has been practicing biosecurity to eliminate any potential chance of infecting eggs and fish at the hatchery. The disease is not a threat to people who handle fish or eat them, but VHS can kill fish. Visitors are not allowed in production areas of the new hatcheries to avoid the risk of contamination. Guided tours help to inform visitors about the virus and keep the hatchery free from any possible chance of infection. During guided tours, visitors can sneak a peek at hatchery production from the coldwater (trout and salmon) observation room and raceway viewing platform with a DNR guide. For 2014, plans are to install a parking area to overlook the new coolwater hatchery outdoor ponds. Guided tours are conducted twice a day during summer open hours, meeting at the new Visitor and Education Center at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Over 5,000 visitors stopped at the new Education Center since it opened in 2008. There is plenty for visitors to do at the new Wild Rose Fish Hatchery. The Education Center has two 300 gallon aquariums with freshwater fish species, interactive displays, a replica of the fish hatchery lab with hands-on activities, aquatic invasive species displays, fish identification activities, an indoor model fishing pond, and games that help tell the story of the
fish hatchery from the early days of hatchery production, 100 years ago to the present. New Great Lakes and Lake Sturgeon exhibits are being planned for visitors in 2014. Visitors can stroll down to the historic village from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily where Wild Rose first began fish production. Captive Wild Rose brown trout can be seen swimming in the old hatchery raceways, along with four-year old lake sturgeon in the show pond. Fishing is not allowed on the hatchery property. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the scenic historic village, a tradition since the early 1900s. With the facility’s carry in, carry out policy, visitors are asked to take home whatever picnic waste is generated to keep the facilities clean for all visitors. Pets are not allowed on hatchery property. There are three annual events held at the Education Center: the Earth Day celebration held the last Saturday in April; Wild Rose Days at the Hatchery held the last Saturday in July; and the fish migration mystery held the last Saturday in October. These special events are free for families and groups to explore the hatchery with special games and fish activities. The hatchery is open for visitors from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Visitors hours are reduced in spring and fall. In April and October the Education Center will be open Fridays and Saturdays, and in May and September (after Labor Day) Thursdays through Saturdays. The hatchery and historic raceways are closed to the public and vehicles from November through March. Schools and groups can call or email requests to schedule educational tours and group activities lead by the hatchery naturalist for 10 to 30 people. Call the Education Center office two weeks in advance at 920-622-3527, Extension 209, or email: joan.voigt@wisconsin.gov. Wild Rose Fish Hatchery Visitor Center is located on the West side of the highway at N5871 State Road 22, one-half mile north of the Village of Wild Rose. Plan a visit to the Wild Rose Fish Hatchery in 2014.