Enhancing fisheries and fishing infrastructure
- New and revitalized shore fishing opportunities (October 2025)
- The DNR has completed 17 shore fishing projects identified as the highest priories for Get Out MORE investments, and another four are in construction and expected to be complete by the end of 2025. The DNR is evaluating additional shore fishing sites, and with local partners will continue to improve shore fishing opportunities statewide.
- Shore fishing opportunities explored (Spring 2025)
- The DNR identified more than 300 potential sites to add or enhance shore fishing opportunities across the state. In coordination with local partners, more than 100 of those potential sites were field-evaluated to determine the highest priority for investing Get Out MORE funding. The DNR was able to move many of the projects forward quickly by connecting with local partners to talk through how to improve shore fishing access and generate additional amenities in their communities.
- Snuffy’s Landing Fishing Pier (Summer 2025)
- Snuffy’s Landing Park in the City of Becker is a popular location to fish from the riverbank but lacked accessibility before Get Out MORE investments. The DNR project installed a 38-foot-long fishing pier, which gives anglers access to deeper pool areas of the Mississippi River, as well as an accessible route from the parking lot to the pier. The fishing pier has a wheel system that allows it to be pulled from the river in the winter months or when flooding is anticipated to impact the site.
- Fishing piers added with Get Out MORE funding (June 2025)
Fishing piers at Leech Lake in the city of Walker and Lake Francis in the city of Elysian are some of the many fishing infrastructure improvements made possible by Get Out MORE funding. The piers were finished in time for the spring 2025 fishing opener. For Lake Francis, the DNR partnered with the city of Elysian to add the pier in a local park where anglers can fish in a close and accessible location. For the Leech Lake pier, the DNR partnered with the city of Walker to add the pier in a location where anglers can access quality fishing protected from the prevailing wind and wave action on the Lake.
The Elysian and Walker fishing piers are two of five similar projects completed with Get Out MORE funding so far. The other projects were on Spring Lake in North Mankato, Madison Lake in Blue Earth County, and Sylvan Pond in Lanesboro. Twenty more piers and shore fishing site improvements are planned to be added in 2025, with more to come in 2026.
- Critical needs at fish hatcheries and shore fishing locations highlighted during media tour (June 2024)
Commissioner Strommen gave partners and the media a tour of the aging Crystal Springs Hatchery in Winona County to show how essential Get Out MORE funding is to maintain and create opportunities for anglers today and in the future. After the hatchery tour, guests participated in a “Fish with the Commish” event, casting for trout in the Whitewater River in Whitewater State Park.
- Infrastructure needs at the state’s largest cool-water hatchery highlighted for the public and media (April 2024)
Ahead of the 2024 spring fishing opener, the Waterville State Fish Hatchery opened its doors to the public so they could learn about the importance of the Get Out MORE investments in constructing a new hatchery there.
- Get Out MORE-funded fisheries and infrastructure improvements announced (January 2024)
These projects move Minnesota toward a state-of-the-art fish hatchery system with biosecure water supplies, increased fish production, and improved staff safety. Get Out MORE investments will also enhance shore fishing sites and increase opportunities for the public to enjoy the outdoors. Investments include $24 million for the Waterville Hatchery, $19 million for the Crystal Springs Hatchery, $12 million for other hatcheries, and $5 million for shore fishing.
Update from the Commissioner
Minnesota DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen recently visited Coffee Cove on Lake Minnetonka to talk to anglers and see where future shore fishing improvements will be made through Get Out MORE.
What's the need
Minnesota is renowned for its fishing opportunities, but the places that produce fish and where people catch fish need investments so people can continue to have great fishing experiences.
A number of the state's fish hatcheries were constructed in the 1950s and are still operating with original equipment. The DNR also manages 360 shore fishing sites and fishing piers across the state. Many new anglers, families and children, and people with more limited economic resources rely on shore fishing facilities to access Minnesota's public waters.
What's the investment
The $60 million in investments move Minnesota toward a state-of-the-art fish hatchery system with safe and biosecure water supplies, increased fish production, and improved staff safety. The investments will also enhance shore fishing sites and opportunities. View map.
- $24 million for the Waterville Hatchery
- $19 million for the Crystal Springs Hatchery
- $12 million for other hatcheries
- $5 million for shore fishing
Read more about these investments in this factsheet
Download the map of fishing infrastructure project locations
