Eagle Creek Fish Company: Stewardship, Sustainability, and a Dream Fulfilled

Eagle Creek Fish Company stands as a quiet pioneer of local sustainable food manufacturing at the core of Jackson Michigan  where artesian water streams beneath our feet. Founder Brian Benjamin, who migrated from New York City to Jackson, established Eagle Creek Fish Company after rediscovering his love for the outdoors, and committing to a life where he follows his passion. With his profound care for the natural gifts we have inherited, Benjamin demonstrates both environmental responsibility and community involvement in his dedication to his dream.

“Jackson provides its residents with exceptional opportunity,” said Benjamin, “this Jackson aquifer provides Eagle Creek with clean, cold water that serves as an ideal environment for raising rainbow trout.”

A Natural Investment

A flow-through farm system at Eagle Creek uses naturally filtered spring water from an aquifer to create raceways that replicate river conditions throughout its 90-acre operation. Eagle Creek maintains its superior fish quality because its natural environment lacks mercury, microplastics, antibiotics, and hormones. The premium rainbow trout that Eagle Creek provides attracts  Michelin-starred chefs who serve their product at Selden Standard in Detroit and the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island: a choice that guarantees their customers receive exceptional fish.

On top of serving high-end dining establishments, Eagle Creek Fish Company maintains an open market for the Jackson County public to buy fresh trout at affordable prices. Every Thursday, the farm welcomes visitors through its open gates for fresh and frozen trout, as well as trout products such as a rainbow trout dip, that reach families across Jackson, Albion, Grass Lake, Ann Arbor and beyond. 

“We want to connect with the people of Jackson,” Benjamin said, “this market provides us with the opportunity to give the community quality food at a great price, and we love to meet the people who make our home a great place to live and do business.”

A Dream Rooted in Stewardship

Brian followed a winding path before starting his present career. A 33-year career in the chemical industry ended when he reframed his passion for the outdoors and working with his hands. The discovery of a farm for sale came through his wife who worked at Kmart. 

“We didn’t even know what kind of farm it was!” Benjamin recalled with awe, “We got there and saw all these fish tanks which instantly grabbed our attention. It was immediately appealing.”

With a dream and a will, the Benjamins invested their entire savings into building Eagle Creek. This dream truly became a reality when they combined their hands-on commitment to fish care with complete fish life cycle management and blueberry bush cultivation on their property. Through his commitment to both land preservation and natural resource management he and his wife achieved their dream life.

“The focus here is not about establishing a big corporate entity,” Benjamin explains, “the goal involves developing a natural system that maintains sustainability alongside benefits for the land and water. We feed the earth and the community.”

A Sustainable Future

Eagle Creek continues its growth trajectory beyond current operations. Eagle Creek’s rainbow trout supply local businesses which integrate the fish into their corporate wellness programs. Brian states that rainbow trout contains abundant omega-3s which promotes brain health and cardiovascular well-being while remaining completely natural. Eagle Creek intends to continue its growth and promotion of corporate wellness programs.

“This is the food people are supposed to eat.”

Visit the Thursday Market at Eagle Creek Fish at 5883 West Michigan Ave., Jackson. For more information on Eagle Creek Fish Company visit eaglecreekfishcompany.com