The Kenosha Sportfishing and Conservation Association (KSFCA) is proud to announce the arrival of this year’s 40,000 salmon fingerlings to the KSFCA Rearing Pond on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at 12:00 PM (Noon) at 3311 Sheridan Road, Kenosha, WI. The fingerlings will spend approximately 3 weeks being fed by local volunteers before being released into Lake Michigan.
This event marks a critical milestone in the 2026 rearing pond season, a cornerstone of local efforts to sustain and enhance the Lake Michigan fishery. Each year, the KSFCA partners with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to house and care for thousands of young salmon. By utilizing the rearing pond, the association allows the fish to double or triple in size and acclimate to local waters before their release, significantly increasing their survival rate in the wild. This vital process ensures the future of sportfishing in Kenosha and supports the economic and environmental health of the Great Lakes.
This 52-year-old tradition is entering an exciting new chapter. Since the KSFCA assumed full operational and financial control in 2023, they have become one of the last remaining volunteer-run, privately funded salmon rearing operations in Wisconsin. As Kenosha grows—with the AI Center expansion and new residential developments—this is a wonderful opportunity to invite its new neighbors to connect with the local ecosystem that makes our city so special.
What to expect – Weather permitting, this is a rain or shine event.
Community Impact & Volunteerism
The feeding and care of these fingerlings, as well as the maintenance of the pond facility, are made possible through membership dues and public contributions. This is a rare, hands-on chance for families and nature enthusiasts to participate in “real-time” conservation. We want to show residents how this project serves as a massive economic engine for our local tourism and charter industries.
The KSFCA encourages community involvement through several upcoming initiatives:
Live Stream: The community will soon be able to monitor the salmon’s progress in real-time via the Salmon Live Feed. This link will be provided closer to the delivery date.
Volunteer Feeding: For the duration of the six-week season, the KSFCA offers two daily feeding slots for community volunteers. This hands-on opportunity allows families and enthusiasts to participate in real-world stewardship. Sign-up links will be posted to the KSFCA website and social media channels just prior to the salmon’s arrival.
KSFCA Rearing Pond Impact, By the Numbers
2.5 Million+: Total salmon raised and released into local waters by the KSFCA to date.
40,000: Fingerlings are typically raised each spring in the Kenosha pond.
3x Growth: The average size increase of the fish during their approximate 3-week stay drastically improves survival rates.
About Kenosha Sportfishing and Conservation Association
The Kenosha Sportfishing and Conservation Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and enhancement of the sportfishing industry and the natural resources of Lake Michigan. Annual KSFCA events include the Kids Fish N Fun & the Pike River Cleanup. Learn more about KSFCA at https://www.facebook.com/kenoshasportfishing.
