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Garrison Dam National Fish Hatchery

Coleharbor, North Dakota · Mercer County · Facility

The Garrison Dam National Fish Hatchery is the world’s largest walleye producing hatchery with ten million fingerling walleye released annually in North Dakota and Wyoming. This hatchery’s role in fish restoration and recovery includes spawning and stocking of endangered pallid sturgeon in the Missouri River as well as…

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About Garrison Dam National Fish Hatchery

The Garrison Dam National Fish Hatchery is the world’s largest walleye producing hatchery with ten million fingerling walleye released annually in North Dakota and Wyoming. This hatchery’s role in fish restoration and recovery includes spawning and stocking of endangered pallid sturgeon in the Missouri River as well as restoration of sauger and shovelnose sturgeon in Wyoming. Springtime at the hatchery is particularly interesting with millions of eggs incubating from a variety of fish species. In addition to providing a role in managing fish population for North Dakota's salmon and trout fishery, it also fills stocking requests for walleye, northern pike, and a variety of other coolwater species in the Dakotas, Montana, Wyoming and Idaho. In October, a stroll down the hatchery’s trails offer a glimpse of salmon as they make their way upstream to spawn. Visitation is welcomed. Cross country skiing on groomed trails, hiking or biking is encouraged when the conditions permit.

How to Get There

Garrison Dam National Fish Hatchery is located in mid-central North Dakota, 58 miles north of Bismark on Highway 83. Then west 15 miles on Hwy 200

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

Plan Your Visit to Garrison Dam National Fish Hatchery

Heading to Garrison Dam National Fish Hatchery? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for Garrison Dam National Fish Hatchery?

No central reservation system listed for Garrison Dam National Fish Hatchery. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/203858) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Garrison Dam National Fish Hatchery?

Garrison Dam National Fish Hatchery is located in mid-central North Dakota, 58 miles north of Bismark on Highway 83. Then west 15 miles on Hwy 200

How do I contact Garrison Dam National Fish Hatchery?

You can reach the park at phone: (701) 654-7451 or email: Rob_Holm@fws.gov.