In the thick of the Kettle Moraine State Forest where the "glaciers ran outta gas," you'll find some of the best spring water available in Wisconsin. For Rushing Waters Fisheries, the water source is key to raising their trout. The water is 50 degrees year-round and a great natural resource for a fish farm. "We’re knocking down the walls built up around aquaculture," says Owner, Peter Fritsch.

Rushing Waters History

In the 1930s, Rushing Waters was a fox farm and the trout were raised to feed the fox in order to encourage beautiful furs. When the fur trading industry collapsed after WWII, the owners saw value in taking their trout to market at Navy Pier. From that point forward, Rushing Waters Fisheries became Wisconsin's largest trout farm and a forerunner of the local food movement and supporting local agriculture/aquaculture.

"It’s very rewarding work. It’s year round. Someone always has to be here. But having that complete control…you feel good about it. To see that animal be healthy and taken care of its whole life and then be enjoyed by people…to have that happen in front of your eyes…you feel good about it. But it’s hard…you work in all weather. It’s farming. There's nothing easy about farming. There's a lot of curveballs. At the end of the day, though, it’s rewarding. You’ve got to want these fish to be healthy. We have a great group of farmers right now. They really care." -Fritsch

Owner & Events

Peter, himself, cares deeply about this type of work, too. As an outdoorsmen, he always knew he wanted to do something outdoors and engage with nature every day. "Our business depends on water and nature. My biggest inspiration is environmental...making this natural resource work," shares Peter. That goal is present in the "agritourism" they offer: shed antler hikes, bird siting hikes, morel mushroom picking. "It’s like dinner and a movie, but it’s an event in nature and a lunch," Peter says, smiling.

The Business

Their main business is the wholesale. They grow, process, and smoke the fish on site. "We wholesale seafood," says Peter. "Salmon burgers, pâté, spreads. We’ve become a value-added seafood company that raises our own trout."

For more information on Rushing Waters Fisheries events and tours, visit them here.