A Place Where Dreams Are Bornby Kevin Patton Tucked away in northwestern Mason County, west of Manito, is not only a place where fishermen's dreams are born, but also an excellent educational resource- Jake Wolf Memorial Fish Hatchery. This unique and fascinating facility, along with hatcheries in LaSalle and Little Grassy near Carbondale, may contribute more to the success of Illinois anglers than all the fishing lures they ever purchased. Larry Willis, IDNR Microbiologist at the hatchery, recently gave me an eye-opening tour of the intricate work that is done by the hatchery staff. In addition to serving as occasional tour guide, Willis is in charge of fish pathology investigations and water quality analysis. Willis pointed out that Jake Wolf is unique in several ways. First and foremost is the fact that more species are handled at the hatchery than nearly any such facility in the country. Familiar species such as northern pike, muskies, walleyes, and largemouth and smallmouth bass are processed through the hatchery, in addition to salmon, steelheads, striped bass, and other fish less common in Illinois waters. In total, millions of fish and 16 species are raised at Jake Wolf. This variety not only enhances the fishery in Illinois, but also allows interstate trade with hatcheries that may have something to offer Illinois in exchange for fish raised at Jake Wolf. If muskie production is down one year at Jake Wolf, then Iowa may supply them in return for our northern pike stock. Species such as muskies and northerns are hard to raise, according to Willis, because they both eat their own species. Years ago hatchery staff developed special circular tanks that cut down on the predation within the species, thus aiding their reproduction. Segregating fry and fingerlings by size also helps reduce this predation. Hatchery staff also developed innovative tanks to help largemouth bass spawn and facilitate the harvest of their eggs. "Timing is everything in nature," said Willis, "and the timing of the cycle of fish spawns is critical." Outside raceways (long, narrow concrete tanks) are equipped with several water pipe intakes to better control the precise water temperatures that are required for the spawning process of various species. Spring water supplied by an underground aquifer that is 54 degrees is the starting point of the process. A system of pipes is used to maintain the correct spawning temperature for each species. Not every species is raised at the same time at the hatchery. It runs in cycles with northerns, muskies, and walleyes being processed prior to smallmouth, largemouth, and bluegills. "Every fish life cycle and temperature requirement is a little different," stated Willis. Fish spawn in the raceways and once the eggs are collected, they are chemically separated and placed into vials for hatching. Hatching of the eggs can take as little as two days for largemouth and smallmouth bass or as long as 30 days for salmon and trout. After hatching, the fry and fingerlings are raised in tanks and ponds prior to being shipped for release. Automated equipment delivers food pellets to the fish at the necessary rate for optimum growth. The process is a fascinating one that involves precise coordination by Jake Wolf personnel. "It's a complicated dance," stated Willis, "involving the timing of the spawn, egg hatching, collection of eggs, and raising fry to fingerling size." The tour will interest you, but leave plenty of time to view the numerous educational displays available at the hatchery. There are printed materials, lighted information stations that detail the operation of the hatchery, and murals about the history of Illinois fishing and our waterways. Plaques line a section of the walls with each fish species and the current Illinois state record listed. Interactive learning stations are available that teach about fish biology and there are cases filled with antique fishing rods and lures. In addition to the propagation of fish species, Jake Wolf staff is involved in various projects related to other wildlife in Illinois. Currently, they are involved in the raising of alligator snapping turtles (Loggerheads) for re-introduction into marsh areas in Southern Illinois. Predation by man and other factors caused the population to dwindle, but this project will hopefully help them rebound. Unfortunately, like many aspects of state government in Illinois, the DNR has suffered cutbacks and a lack of funding for years. Jake Wolf operations have been affected to the point where the least senior employee has been at the hatchery for 14 years and the facility is staffed with half the people who worked there during its peak. Individuals, fishing clubs, and other groups interested in the improvement of our fisheries can become involved by lobbying their lawmakers for increased funding. It is important to keep this production facility open and also insure that this educational resource is available for future generations. I can't think of a better place for kids to learn about biology, nature, and the cycle of life. The next time your youngsters complain of nothing to do, leave the ipods, cell phones, and video games home and make the drive to Jake Wolf Hatchery. You'll enjoy it, your kids will learn something, and you will all come away with a greater respect for nature. The Visitors Center displays at Jake Wolf are available to the public for eight hours, seven days a week. If you want the guided tour of the whole facility, available twice daily during weekdays, call ahead to 309-968-7531 to schedule a time. Admission to the Visitors Center and tours are free. The hatchery web site, which is currently out of service, is located at: http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/Education/interprt/jwolf.htm Spring Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area: |