The vision of Wilderness Springs began back in the mid-1940's when Rev. Wally Lange (Kathy’s father) purchased marshland from farmers who had used it for cattle feed during the drought in previous years.  Rev. Lange was an avid outdoorsmen & conservationist who used to hunt & trap furs on the marsh.  It was then he noticed springs that trickled into the marshland.  Rev. Lange eventually was able to purchase the adjoining property and developed those springs into ponds; for another passion, trout fishing.   In 1963, the beginning of a legacy was well under way with digging of 4 ponds.  The vision now deserving of an appropriate name:  Wilderness Springs.

Wilderness Springs expanded over the years into 30 ponds & concrete raceways; hatching 30,000 rainbow trout per year.   In 1968 Rev. Lange retired from the ministry and he and his wife, Helen, moved from Seymour to New London to operate Wilderness Springs full time.  In 1974, Mike & Kathy Foster (his son in law & daughter) took over the operation; both of them had worked at the trout ponds for several years and had a passion for seeing Rev. Lange’s legacy continue to thrive. In 1984,

Mike & Kathy maintained the trout farm while both working full time jobs and raising a family of 4 children.  Wilderness Springs remained open for public fishing along with stocking trout for ponds, sport shows and other fee fishing facilities.   In 1984 they discontinued public fishing, focused on live hauling of trout. 

Today, things have come full circle.  Mike & Kathy’s children are grown, married and have children of their own. Wilderness Springs has once again re-opened for public fishing.   “We have really enjoyed seeing people come & fish. Many relate stories of coming fishing when they were children, and now are bringing their children and grandchildren” comments Kathy Foster, Co-owner of Wilderness Springs.  “It appears the legacy of my father’s vision is now one that is also cherished by our children and grand children, much like the customers who have welcomed us back,” states Foster.

Press Release

August 14, 2008