Besadny Anadromous Fish Facility

Although this DNR facility concentrates on fish, not birds, it is a fascinating watchable wildlife opportunity. From the facility’s accessible deck and paved walkway, visitors can watch as trout and salmon swimming up the Kewaunee River to spawn are diverted by a barrier and fish ladder into large holding ponds. An underwater window frames this watery spectacle. Rainbow trout spawning runs are best April through August. Brown trout run in late September through November, and salmon runs are best from October through November. During peak runs, hundreds of large fish splash and jump as they fight their way up the ladder. Fish spawning (egg-taking) plays a vital role in maintaining the Great Lakes sport fishery for coho and Chinook salmon, steelhead and brown trout. Because the streams get too warm for the young trout or salmon to survive, the DNR spawns the adults, hatches the eggs, and rears them at state fish hatcheries.

Directions: 3884 Ransom Moore Lane. From Kewaunee travel west on Cty C 1.5 miles to Cty F 0.5 mile to Ransom Moore Lane. The facility entrance is on your right.

Gazetteer: Page 56, A4.

Phone: 414/388-1025.

Web site: WDNR Fish Spawning Facilities

Signature species: Steelhead and brown trout, Coho and Chinook salmon.

Seasonality: Site open daily, dawn to dusk. March - December, public viewing window at all times.

Nearest food & lodging: Kewaunee.