Watersmeet Trout Hatchery and Fish Farm

This private fish farm, hidden away in the woods, is a popular family destination in summer, especially for children. Visitors are given rods and buckets. No fishing licenses are necessary.

The picturesque site on the Ontonagon River Middle Branch goes back to a State of Michigan trout hatchery built in the early 1930s. Water comes largely from springs producing 60,000 gallons of 43° water an hour—ideal for trout. The state moved out in 1965. Outdoors-loving Dino Giannola, a retired fireman, bought it with his wife Roberta in 2007. They live with their children in the second-story apartment built for hatchery employees.

Kids get a kick out of fishing here, where it seems every angler is successful. Every fish caught must be kept. The charge is 45¢/inch for fish under 14 inches, 60¢/inch over 14 inches.

The Giannolas are proud of their fish food brought in from 2,000 miles away. It's better balanced than the diet of wild fish, they say.

The fish farm also raises walleye, bluegill, perch, and trout, by special order, for stocking ponds.

The hatchery is 4.5 miles east of the village of Watersmeet. From U.S. 45, go one mile north to CR 208/Old U.S. 2. Turn east. Clearly signed. (906) 358-4331. Open from Mem. to Labor Day, Mon & Tues, Thurs-Sat 9-4-30. Sun noon-4:30. Closed Wed. Wheelchair-accessible.
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WATERSMEET
POINTS OF INTEREST

Sylvania Wilderness Area. This lake-studded 30-square-mile tract is a rare treasure: an old-growth forest that escaped the logger's ax, and lakes where motors are banned. ... more

Watersmeet Trout Hatchery and Fish Farm. Fishing's always good at this plentifully-sotcked hatchery. Great outing for kids ... more

Ottawa Visitor Center. The Ottawa National Forest info center also has an excellent nature bookstore, interesting exhibits, and anature trail ... more

Clark Lake and Clark Lake Trail. Convenient auto access up to the motor-free Sylvania Wilderness Area's Clark Lake with a long, sandy beach, good birding, and an 8-mile trail around the lake through the old-growth forest. ... more

Imp Lake Interpretive Trail. This memorable 1.5-mile path leads from an inviting swimming area into an old-growth hemlock forest ... more

Sylvania Outfitters. Veteran outdoorsman Bob Zelinski shares a wealth of information about the area, rents canoes, kayaks, skis, and snowshoes, and refers customers to fishing guides ... more

Mex-I-Min-E Falls & Campground. A short, powerful cascade in a quiet, pretty woodland spot with primitive camping. ... more

Ontonagon River Middle Branch. This pretty, underdeveloped brook trout stream can be paddled year-round. Rent a canoe. It's a fine first whitewater trip ... more

Sylvania Outfitters Cross-Country Ski Trails. 20 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails in the Sylvania Wildeerness Area, much of it over hilly terrain ... more

Watersmeet Rails to Trails. This old railroad grade leads through many habitats to downtown Land O'Lakes ... more

Ajibikoka Falls. Difficult to get to, this falls is one of the finest in the Watersmeet region ... more

Watersmeet Wi-fi Hotspots. • Public Library in Land ‘O Lakes WI 9 miles south has wi-fi. Turn right on Hwy B. On north side of Hwy B downtown. Can use in parking lot if not open.
• Lac Vieux Desert Resort Casino has wi-fi. N5384 US-45 north of Watersmeet. ... more

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