The healthy fish population is the result, in part, of intensive stocking efforts. About one-third of all recreational fishing in Michigan depends on stocked fish. See for yourself how the DNR rears stock fish at one of Northwest Michigan's public hatcheries. Altogether, the state operates six hatcheries in its fish production program. In Northwest Michigan they are near the villages of Harrietta and Honor.
Visitors are welcome year round.
The Harrietta State Hatchery, originally built in 1901, is one of the earliest hatchery facilities in the state. It's in Wexford County, south of Mesick off Michigan Highway 37, along West 30 Mile Road. Workers at the Harrietta State Fish Hatchery vacum raceway waters to maintain an optimal growing environment for young trout. Each year, this hatchery produces 1 to 2 million rainbow and brown trout. The process begins in incubation trays.