I don't know why, but I love feeding the trout. This is a great place to see the eagles, if you know where to look. I go here several times when I am in Decorah.
The Decorah Fish Hatchery is exceptionally well known to many throughout the state of Iowa. Nestled back in a little area, just outside Decorah, you will find a spring which supplies the ponds for the hatchery and the stream which flows through the property. There are several different "ponds" of cement in which the fish are raised. There are food pellet dispensers for both young and old alike to feed all the fish and watch the flurry of activity as the pellets hit the water. There are plenty of educational opportunities throughout the property and fishing is actually allowed in the crystal clear stream. I am now in my mid forties and still enjoy visiting this location. This is one of the "Fish Hatcheries" which supply the majority of lakes, streams, and ponds throughout the state of Iowa. During the summer it is remarkably cool in temperature on hot days and walking up to the spring head is easy and very pleasant. You may bring a picnic and make a great outing for the family or you may make this a quick, educational, trip.The world renowned "Eagle Cam" nest (the first one) is located just a few minutes from here and during the last check the actual nest was still in place. It is amazing in and of itself.If you are interested in fishing, nature, or just simple beauty, this is well worth a visit. Many locals routinely go there for a day of relaxation or fishing. One thing to note: You need to have a "Trout Stamp" to fish in the stream; at least at last check.
I've been to hatcheries before, but none like this. The pools were overcrowded to the point that many fish had been attacked and tails eaten off. Most of the pools were so sludgy that you couldn't see through the water. It was pretty gross. Based on the other reviews in the same time frame, maybe I showed up just before cleaning or something. The rest property looked nice though, even the bathrooms were clean.
The trout jumping at the hatchery and in the creek. A great treat when a fledging eagle posed on a lamp over the trout tanks. Got lots of great photos on a sunny day. What fun! Will go back tomorrow and enjoy the trails.
There are a couple of gum ball or candy machines where you can put in a quarter and get a hand full of fish food to feed the trout. It was a lot of fun. You may want of bring a small container like a coffee cup or sandwich bag to put the fish food in. Don't miss the beautiful waterfall across the little bridge on the other side of the trout stream.
We stopped here to walk around and hopefully see an eagle. We both enjoy outdoors, so it was great to see nature. We saw an eagle and both nests. Lots of fish of several sizes. If it was warmer I am sure there would be more to check out. One of the folks from the DNR was doing some chores and talked to us for a few minutes about the hatchery. Worth the time to check it out. We will be back.
I grew up in Decorah and have visited a number of times. The last trip into town, I took my husband who has never been to a fish hatchery. We had a chance to talk to a couple of the typical Midwestern friendly workers and they gave us a great, personal, educational experience. Even of no workers available to talk, it's a beautiful little place.
Decorah lies in the middle of the Driftless Area with dozens of cold-water streams teaming with trout and host great restaurants, bed and breakfasts, and a wonderful old hotel. The entire area is worthy of a week or two exploring the nature and the lovely shops and museums in the area. It is only a few miles from beautiful little towns in Minnesota and a very short distance across the River from Wisconsin and Illinois.
Great family activity and it's free. Close to trout fishing streams. Educational and friendly staff officers. Close to the bald eagles nesting site.
We went to the hatchery in the fall 2013, specifically to see if we could observe the Decorah Eagles. The hatchery was a very pleasant place to visit and my husband had a good chat with one of the staff. We only got one good glimpse of an adult eagle as it flew low passed our motor home. Otherwise they were busy soaring. We did see nest #2 and watched the workmen planning to put up the new webcam in anticipation of winter. I want to go back. I understanding they are fundraising to add to the educational aspects of the hatchery location. It is defiinitely worth the investment. I want to go back next Spring. Hopefully when there are new eaglets.