Wild Rose Fish Hatchery welcomes community in for Annual Fall Salmon Migration

Kimber from Wautoma tried her hand at identifying the various fingerlings in the interactive fish tank in the visitor's center.

Ian and Izaiah of Almond tried their hands at making fish print tote bags.

Tom Meyer from Wild Rose is in his second year volunteering at the fish hatchery. He taught open house attendees to create a "fly" and how to try out fly casting for trout. Tom is also a member of Trout Unlimited of Central WI.

Cali Bahr and Lilly Luchini of Wild Rose ran the craft table making fish spinners.

Other activities included printing on tote bags, building a fish spinner, making and taking Kool-Aid clay fish, and viewing the current hatchery buildings via a ride on the Chippy Express, thanks to Evergreen Campsites and Resort.

Visitors were able to see the interior of the hatchery where fish eggs are fertilized for roughly six months as fingerlings before heading outside to the deeper, larger pools, to continue their growth before release across the state. The building is darkened to keep the hatchlings as stress-free as possible.

Terry from Wautoma and his Aunt Nichole Good from Scandinavia spent the morning together touring the visitor center. Terry enjoyed the interactive games the most.

Posted Wednesday, October 29, 2025 4:12 pm

Photos by Cindy Stevens, Argus Correspondent

The Annual Fall Salmon Migration at Wild Rose Hatchery Education Center was a great success. Visitors had a chance to play hands-on fish games, learn about salmon on their migration journey to spawning areas, learn how to cast a rod, and identify local fish.