A fish hatchery is a facility where fish eggs are hatched and the fry (baby fish) are raised, mostly to stock lakes, streams, and ponds.
A weir is an obstruction placed across a river designed to block the passage of fish. Weirs are typically used to catch fish in order to harvest their eggs. Eggs taken at the weirs are sent to state fish hatcheries where they are raised and stocked all over Michigan.
We operate six fish hatcheries, five permanent egg-take stations and up to 40 rearing ponds. In addition to the permanent egg-take stations, we collect eggs and sperm from natural spawning runs of walleye, lake sturgeon and muskellange.
Additionally, there are several fish ladders in Michigan which allow fish the opportunity to migrate upstream over or through a barrier. Locations can be found in Berrien Springs, Buchanan and Niles.
Passport Program
- Learn More About the Passport Program
Our Hatchery Passport Program is currently on hold! Please check back in late 2018 for new and exciting details!
Weirs
- Medusa Creek Weir
- Swan River Weir
- Platte River State Fish Hatchery & Weir
- Boardman River Weir
- Little Manistee River Weir
Learn about the vehicles that transport millions of fish each year from our fish hatcheries and rearing ponds to water bodies throughout the state.
- Fish Transportation
- Sign up for Fish Hatchery Email Updates
