French River Cold Water Fish Hatchery Pull-Off

This site, operated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), plays a crucial role in sustaining fish populations in Lake Superior, particularly steelhead and other trout species.

Site Overview

• Maintenance: Fair condition
• Surface Type: Paved
• Trash Cans: No
• Lake-Side Location: Yes
• Restrooms: ADA accessible
• Parking:
• Lower lot: 7 spots, including ADA-accessible spaces
• Upper lot: A few spots, not striped
• Highway Signage: Well-marked for easy identification
• Lake View: Yes
• Owner: Minnesota DNR
• Lake Access: Yes, via a paved pathway from the lower lot to the French River
• Picnic Area/Tables: No
• Benches: No
• Interpretive Signage: Yes, one sign about the fish hatchery located under the bridge along the paved path
• Paths/Trails:
• Paved path from the lower parking lot
• Underpasses Highway 61 bridge
• Leads to a viewing area at the fish dam (no handrail, not well maintained)

Features and Attractions

The French River Cold Water Fish Hatchery is an integral part of Lake Superior’s fish management program. The facility focuses on raising and stocking various trout and salmon species, including steelhead, Kamloops, and Chinook salmon.

• Steelhead Migration: The French River serves as a fish sanctuary, where adult rainbow trout (steelhead) are trapped for spawning. The peak runs occur in late October through November and April in the spring.
• Egg Collection & Stocking: Eggs collected at the hatchery are sent to DNR facilities, where they are raised and later released back into Lake Superior. Hatchery fish are identifiable by a clipped adipose fin.
• Interpretive Signage: Learn about the differences between steelhead, rainbow trout, and Kamloops trout.
• Fishing Regulations: Unclipped, naturally-reproduced steelhead cannot be harvested.
• Lake Trout Restoration: Since the closure of commercial and sport fishing for lake trout in 1962, stocking efforts have led to a 250% increase in lake trout populations.
• Chinook Salmon Production: Each year, up to 1 million Chinook eggs are harvested, hatched, and released. These fish mature in Lake Superior for 3-4 years before returning to spawn.

Getting There

Located at Mile 11.5 along Scenic Highway 61, the site is well-marked with signage. The hatchery offers a paved walking path leading from the lower parking lot, under the Highway 61 bridge, and up to a viewing area at the fish dam.



Know Before You Go

• Fishing: If you plan to fish, be sure to check Minnesota DNR regulations regarding seasons, licensing, and restrictions.
• Accessibility: While the restrooms and pathways are paved, the viewing area at the fish dam lacks a handrail and is not well-maintained.
• Seasons: Fish migrations vary, with steelhead running in fall and spring, and Chinook salmon spawning in late summer through early fall.

For more details, visit the Minnesota DNR website or check out the interpretive signage on-site. This pull-off is a hidden gem along the North Shore, providing insight into Minnesota’s cold-water fisheries and the ongoing efforts to maintain Lake Superior’s ecosystem.