Friends Into Spooner Hatchery

05/01/2026

Ever wonder what fish look like when they’re newly hatched - or even still in the egg?

05/01/2026

We have the eggs, we have the fry!

04/10/2026

Our hatchery got some good press!

03/31/2026

The crew from WCCO in the Cities was here at the hatchery today filming for a short spot. Watch Weds April 8 at 10:00 pm.

09/24/2025

Come see the little Muskies! Hatchery Open House Saturday, September 28 from 10:00 till 2:00 pm. Guided tours will be available at 10:30 and 12:00.

07/23/2025

We have pond liners for sale! They are heavy duty rubber and make great covers for things like woodpiles. Contact Mike Spafford at 715-520-0237 to snag one!

07/23/2025

Looking for a fun thing to do with the kids? We have painted rocks hidden on the hatchery grounds - see if you can find one and send us a photo!

07/23/2025

Why we do what we do!

Why do we stock fish? Well, there are many reasons, including to:

1. Restore self-sustaining fish populations
2. Research and evaluation efforts to evaluate alternate propagation techniques or other management actions
3. Maintain an existing fishery that has been reduced due to external impacts, such as habitat losses or winter kills
4. Create or maintain a recreational fishery that did not previously exist and is not self-sustaining
5. Adhere to species management plans

Biologists analyze data collected from present and past surveys to determine which species and quantity should be stocked.

Last year, over 5 million fish were stocked into inland lakes and streams and the Great Lakes. To see where we’ve stocked fish in 2024 or years prior, check out the Fish Stocking database: https://apps.dnr.wi.gov/fisheriesmanagement/Public/Summary

05/23/2025

05/07/2025

We have eggs!

05/07/2025

Our hatchery “rocks”! IYKYK Holley