Overview: The Platte River State Fish Hatchery was established in 1928 as a satellite rearing station and converted to the state's main salmon hatchery in 1972. This facility raises coho and Chinook salmon and is the main egg take station for coho salmon in the Upper Great Lakes. Platte Hatchery underwent a major renovation project that includes renovating the entire outside raceway complex, installation of a new effluent treatment system, water and waste monitoring systems installation, and the development of state-of-the-art degassing and aeration structures. This construction was completed in 2004. The facility also has upgraded interpretive facilities that were completed in the spring 2003 providing information on the importance of medium sized rivers to the Great Lakes, the salmon story, how watersheds work and how a hatchery operates.

Location: 15210 US 31 Highway, Beulah, MI 49617.

Photo 1. Platte River State Fish Hatchery as seen in September 1998.

Driving Directions: The hatchery is approximately 4 miles east of Honor, MI in Benzie County on US 31.

Map:

Telephone: (231) 325-4611

Hatchery Manager: Edward Eisch (Stationed at Oden Hatchery)

Hatchery Biologist: Jan Sapak

Year Opened: 1928; Platte River Rearing Station

Year Rebuilt: 1968-72; Platte River State Fish Hatchery, Raceway Covers Renovated in 2004

Renovation History: Originally in 1928, this facility was designed as a satellite rearing facility for trout that typically came from Harrietta State Fish Hatchery. Small trout were brought over in the spring from Harrietta State Fish Hatchery and were reared to planting size. During the mid 1960's, the State initiated a salmon production program. Platte Hatchery was completely renovated during the period from 1968-1972 to become the main salmon hatchery in the state. Our location on the Platte River made this a logical choice. This river allows for the returning coho salmon spawning runs to migrate from Lake Michigan to the main hatchery where they are stopped by the upper Platte River weir. There is an egg collection station located at the upper weir and that is where coho salmon egg take operations occur.

The hatchery went through a major renovation during 2003. The project included the complete renovation of the outside raceway complex. Complete raceway enclosures were added along with a state-of-the-art filtering system. Also included in the renovation was a new flow monitoring system, a new head tank and aeration and degassing capability that utilizes liquid oxygen. This hatchery is the last of the Department's facilities to construct outdoor raceway covers which reduce fish stress, reduce fish wastes and improve growth and condition.

Another major upgrade is the installation of a Great Lakes Ecological Information Center at this hatchery, which consist of a new information area in the existing interpretative area with new exhibits and a stream and hatchery interpretive trail. This center will focus on the interactions and connections between major Great Lakes tributaries and the Great Lakes, the salmon program and how a hatchery operates. An interactive computer with hands on learning opportunities highlighting management of our watersheds and other aspects of fish culture are also available in the indoor interpretative room. The project was primarily funded by the Great Lakes Fishery Trust (www.glft.org) with some funding from the Department of Natural Resources.

Production Water: The hatchery uses primarily Brundage Creek and spring water from Brundage Spring. Platte River water has been used in the past but is not a desirable source due to temperature extremes, resident fish populations carrying disease, and silt which collects in the rearing units. Water temperatures range between 33 degrees and 53 degrees F.

Hatchery Staffing: : The hatchery is staffed by a Fish Hatchery Biologist, four Fisheries Technicians, two Fisheries Assistants (Seasonal), a Maintenance Supervisor (supervises maintenance at Platte River, Oden and Harrietta State Fish Hatcheries), a Maintenance Mechanic, a Fish Transportation Fleet Mechanic, a Trades Helper, a Secretary, a seasonal Park Interpreter and a Short Term Workers to assist with fish culture and maintenance. Up to fifteen short term workers are also employed seasonally to handle fish marking operations at this facility.

Broodstock: The Platte River is the source for wild Coho salmon broodstock for the coho salmon programs in Michigan, Illinois and Indiana. The eggs and milt are collected previously stocked fish that return to the weir on the hatchery's grounds.

Management Role: This facility produces more than half if the chinook and all of the coho salmon that Michigan stocks in Great Lakes waters.

Areas of Interest to the Public: The interpretative facilities and trails, the hatchery complex and the upper weir egg-take station will all be of interest to the public. The best times to see returning adult salmon in the Platte River are from mid September to mid November at the lower weir (located off Lake Michigan Road 2 miles northwest of M-22) and late September to mid October at the upper weir located at the hatchery. The public is welcome to watch the egg take operations. Please call ahead to find out when egg takes will be conducted, but they generally occur around the third week of October.

Hatchery Hours: The hatchery grounds are open to the public at no charge from dawn to dusk. The hatchery is open to the public from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday through Friday. For more information or to schedule group tours call Jan Sapak at (231) 325-4611.