C.D. "Buzz" Besadny Anadromous Fisheries Facility
About the Facility
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The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ Besadny Anadromous Fisheries Facility (BAFF) is an egg collection facility located near the city of Kewaunee.
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Trout and Salmon migrating from Lake Michigan are led by flowing water past two underwater viewing windows in a fish ladder that leads them to six collection ponds. Fish are moved from the ponds to the processing building to be spawned and harvested.
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Salmon and Trout have been stocked into Lake Michigan since the late 1960s. Originally, the fish were stocked to control the invasive alewife population. The focus now has shifted to maintaining the trout and salmon sport fishing industry in the Wisconsin waters of Lake Michigan.
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Onsite development of BAFF began in 1989, and the first fish and eggs collected were in the fall of 1990. Construction of the processing building in 1996 completed the site and includes a lobby area for public viewing of spawning operations and educational displays.
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Guided group tours with a knowledgeable guide are offered throughout the spawning seasons. Guided Tours can be modified to fit your specific goals as teachers, educators, students, and citizens.
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You may also follow your own guide! Follow the spray painted fish on the walkways, starting at the north side of the facility (parking lot) and browse the unique fish fact displays along the way.
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Our facility and fish tour is completely handicap accessible.
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Please note that fish are not always present at our facility. To schedule a tour (10 or more please) call (920) 388-1025.
When Are They Running?
Here is a guide to let you know when the fish are moving through the facility.
Coho Salmon – October thru November
Chinook Salmon – September thru October
Brown Trout – October thru December
Steelhead Trout – March and April & July thru October
C. D. “Buzz” Besadny
Anadromous Fisheries Facility
N3884 Ransom Moore Lane
Kewaunee, WI 54216
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Contact Person: Mike Baumgartner
Phone: (920) 388-1025