Why You Need To Visit The Outstanding Spooner Fish Hatchery

Why You Need To Visit The Outstanding Spooner Fish Hatchery

 

Anglers flock to Wisconsin to try their luck in landing a record muskellunge, or muskie for short. The all-tackle world record of 60.25 inches, 67 pounds, 8 ounces from 1949 still stands. Cal Johnson caught the whopper near Hayward at Lac Courte Oreilles. After all, Wisconsin is the best state for muskie fishing. Wisconsin’s top muskie fishing spots are in the Hayward area, Vilas County, and Green Bay.

By any means, these aren’t ordinary fish. Besides being mean, their long bodies with large heads full of big prehistoric-looking teeth remind us of something likely found in dinosaur days. Listen closely to fishing stories gray-haired men tell from the old days. They often speak about hitting them in the head with an oar once they were inside the boat. However, by knocking the fish unconscious, they could remove the hook without the fish’s teeth shredding their hands and arms. Not to mention the muskie attacking people in the boat. Did I say how spiteful these fish can be?

Want to see where they grow these massive fish? A visit to the Gov. Tommy Thompson Fish Hatchery in the small town of Spooner is something you don’t want to miss.

 

Wisconsin Governor’s Fishing Opener At Shell Lake

 

First, Washburn County invited us to attend the Wisconsin Governor’s Fishing Opener on Shell Lake. Luckily, a fish hatchery tour came along with the invitation.

On Friday, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources led our tour of the Governor Tommy G. Thompson State Fish Hatchery in Spooner. Once a railroad town, the historic Spooner in Northwest Wisconsin is now known for outdoor recreation, local shops, and its delightful small-town charisma. Our Friday night VIP dinner with Governor Tony Evers went hand-in-hand with our fish hatchery tour.  

When we first heard that we would tour the fish hatchery, it seemed like a perfect fit for the weekend. Little did we know how this extraordinary facility impacts Wisconsin fishing. Nonetheless, researching it made us excited for our visit. But, far and away, this facility is different from other ones you may know.

Step into the visitors center to experience a fish hatchery like no other

The World’s Largest Muskie Fish Hatchery

 

The Gov. Tommy Thompson Fish Hatchery is the largest muskie fish hatchery globally. Let that sink in. It is the state’s largest cool water facility, but it supplies over half of Wisconsin’s muskie and walleye to its 15,074 lakes, along with streams and rivers.  

Wisconsin fish hatcheries assist tourism by providing top-notch angling resources to remain a top fishing destination in the United States. They go hand-in-hand with keeping the state’s water in top condition.  

Each year, they start by collecting over 100 million fresh eggs in the wild and then incubating the eggs inside the facility. After incubation, biologists and DNR employees release the juvenile fish into 40 1-acre ponds or six half-acre ponds onsite.  

On average, the hatchery raises 200,000 to 2.5 million small walleye each year. More significant walleye numbers range from 100,000 to 350,000. Likewise, 35,000 to 60,000 large musky are produced yearly. In addition, about 21 million white suckers are raised as food.

On top of this, you can take a tour. Furthermore, watch the hatching incubation operation from inside the viewing room. May is the best time to see incubation.

 

Why You Shouldn’t Miss The Visitor Center

Enjoy a walk through the visitor center for an outstanding educational experience. Not only are its exhibits fun, but educational. For example, look at both vintage lure displays behind the fishing boat. One belongs to DNR supervisor Neal Rosenberg because he wanted to display his collection for others to see.

Visit year-round to learn about

• Water ecology
• Fish rearing
• Incubators
• Rearing Ponds
• Exhibits
• Fishing advice
• Fish anatomy
• How a fish hatchery works

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources operates the Gov. Tommy Thompson Fish Hatchery. The visitors center is open at no charge Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. Take a free tour every Tuesday and Friday at 10:00 am and 3:00 pm after Memorial Day.

 

Relax At Veterans Memorial Waterfront Park

 

Bring your fishing gear to Veterans Memorial Waterfront Park, next to the fish hatchery. Not only can you experience excellent fishing on the Yellow River Flowage, but many people fish below the dam too.

Along with fishing and a fish hatchery tour, plan a picnic for a lovely day in Spooner. Park property includes a boat launch, picnic facilities, restrooms, and a parking area. Access Veterans Memorial Waterfront Park from S. River Street and Gov. Tommy Thompson Fish Hatchery from Highway 70. The park and its piers are Handicap accessible.

 

Ruth King DNR Employee And Mural Artist

36-year Wisconsin DNR employee Ruth King led our tour. She began as a DNR biologist in 1986 and now holds a Non-Point Source Pollution Specialist title. Notice the twenty-four-foot mural inside. The mural represents a typical Wisconsin lake scene above and below water. She painted the mural and other art for Tag Alder Creek Studio. Additionally, she is an avid dog sledder and regularly speaks at schools and community events while giving demonstrations with her dogs.

 

Final Thoughts About Spooner’s Fish Hatchery

Most people look at you funny when you tell them to take a fish hatchery tour. Concrete walled holding tanks and gravel usually come to mind. But despite that, don’t miss an opportunity to visit Governor Tommy G. Thompson State Fish Hatchery. Take our word; you’ll be amazed. 

Plus, it’s one more reason to visit Spooner!

 

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