Skip to main content

Possible online services disruption due to Internet related outage

A worldwide technology outage is causing disruption to some State of Illinois online systems.  We are aware of this issue and are diligently working on restoration.

Attention hunters: Visit our FAQ page for information about the use of centerfire, single-shot rifles for deer hunting in Illinois. 

Governor JB Pritzker Illinois.gov Contact IDNR DNR A to Z

About Little Grassy Fish Hatchery

LittleGrassy

Little Grassy hatches and rears black crappie, largemouth bass, redear sunfish, bluegill and channel catfish each year. Earthen ponds are used for the production of the crappie, bass, and sunfish. Fingerlings of these species are harvested depending on stocking needs.

The main event at Little Grassy is the catfish production. Adult brood fish are paired and placed into spawning cubicles located in concrete outdoor raceways. The fish are provided an appropriate nesting site (milk can). Fertilized eggs are collected from the cans and processed indoors. The eggs are separated, enumerated and hatched in the incubation room.

Newly hatched catfish fry are placed in indoor start troughs for approximately three weeks. During this time, the yolk-sac fry develop fully and begin feeding on powdered food. The production process of the channel catfish provides a great viewing experience for visitors. ‘Prime time” for viewing the production process runs from early to mid-June. Yearling catfish in outdoor raceways are available for feeding by visitors from Memorial Day through July.

Little Grassy is currently open to the public Monday-Friday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM.  Walk-in visitors, as well as scheduled tour groups, are welcome. Scheduled tours can be adjusted to suit time constraints of visitors as well as the age group and knowledge base of visitors.  Little Grassy Fish Hatchery is currently closed on weekends September-March and on state holidays that fall in the months of October-February.  For information or reservations, please call: Little Grassy Fish Hatchery 618-529-4100.