CFRE Fish Hatchery

Formerly the Aquatic Research Laboratory (ARL), the CFRE Fish Hatchery is a student-run hatchery located on the St. Marys River. Here, CFRE has been rearing Atlantic Salmon for over 30 years, giving students a hands-on, year-round aquaculture experience.

Hatchery Tours

Prospective LSSU students and school groups, 7th grade and above, are invited to tour the Fish Hatchery. Use the following information to schedule an in-person hatchery tour.

Fish Hatchery

Located inside the eastern wing of the Cloverland Electric Cooperative Hydroelectric Plant at the end of Salmon Run Way in Sault Sainte Marie, MI.

Prospective LSSU Students

Call 906-635-2231

School Groups

Call 906-635-2373

History of the Hatchery

  • The Center for Freshwater Research and Education was built on the strong foundation of the Aquatic Research Laboratory (ARL), which began in the late 1970s and created successful hatchery, training, and research programs in freshwater science at Lake Superior State University.
  • In 2018, the ARL was expanded and renamed the Center for Freshwater Research and Education, and includes two facilities – the new Richard and Theresa Barch Center for Freshwater Research and Education (CFRE) and the CFRE Hatchery.

Student Opportunities

  • Academic Year – Fish Hatchery Assistants
  • Summer – Hatchery Assistants
  • NRES450 Lab Apprenticeship (LSSU Class)
  • Fall Brood Stock Collecting and Egg Take

Annual Hatchery Reports

Click the links below to review past annual reports.