Garrison Dam National Fish Hatchery

Facility · North Dakota ·

Managed by the Fish and Wildlife Service

Lake Sakakawea (Recreation Reservoir) · Open Access

1,831 ft
Elevation
The Garrison Dam National Fish Hatchery is the world’s largest walleye producing hatchery with ten million fingerling walleye released annually in North Dakota and Wyoming. This hatchery’s role in fish restoration and recovery includes spawning and stocking of endangered pallid sturgeon in the Missouri River as well as restoration of sauger and shovelnose sturgeon in Wyoming. Springtime at the hatchery is particularly interesting with millions of eggs incubating from a variety of fish species. In addition to providing a role in managing fish population for North Dakota's salmon and trout fishery, it also fills stocking requests for walleye, northern pike, and a variety of other coolwater species in the Dakotas, Montana, Wyoming and Idaho. In October, a stroll down the hatchery’s trails offer a glimpse of salmon as they make their way upstream to spawn. Visitation is welcomed. Cross country skiing on groomed trails, hiking or biking is encouraged when the conditions permit.

Getting there

Garrison Dam National Fish Hatchery is located in mid-central North Dakota, 58 miles north of Bismark on Highway 83. Then west 15 miles on Hwy 200

47.49960, -101.41320 · 47°29'58.6"N 101°24'47.5"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 81°F in Jul, down to 20°F in Jan.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F202437526574818071543725
Low °F3718314253595748362111
Precip in————————————

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 1.8 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Fees and stay limits

A visit to a National Fish Hatchery and participating in provided activities or programs are open and free to visitors unless noted otherwise.

From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.

Member photos

Common questions about Garrison Dam National Fish Hatchery

Can you reserve a site at Garrison Dam National Fish Hatchery?
No. Garrison Dam National Fish Hatchery is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Camping near Garrison Dam National Fish Hatchery

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.