The first fish hatchery at Spirit Lake was established in 1880. Changes since that time include a replacement hatchery building which was constructed in 1915 and was enlarged in 1927. This building was used until 1963 when it was replaced by the new facility currently being used. The only major structural change since construction of the new facility is the enlargement of the tank room for the intensive rearing of walleye and muskellunge. Self-guided tours are available throughout the hatchery facility. Each year the Iowa Department of Natural Resources welcomes between 40,000 and 60,000 visitors to the Spirit Lake Hatchery. Organized groups may contact the hatchery to view a narrated slide series pertaining to a wide array of hatchery duties. Tours are available throughout the year from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekdays. Group tours can be arranged by calling the hatchery office. In addition, when walleye spawning is in full swing (Usually in early to mid April) the hatchery is open to visitors 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery Duties

The Spirit Lake Hatchery is a cool water station located in Dickinson County. The facility collects, spawns, incubates, and raises walleye for use throughout the state. Each year between 60 and 70 million walleye fry are hatched at this facility. These fish may be stocked at two-day-old fry, transferred to other hatcheries, or stocked in natural lakes in the Spirit Lake area where they are collected in June using large seines. At that point these fish are usually five- to eight-inches long. The number of muskellunge produced is relatively minor when compared to the sheer numbers of walleyes produced; however, this facility serves as the sole source of Iowa's muskellunge. The fish are raised to nine- or ten-inches before being stocked throughout the state.