© 2025 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Crews stocking hundreds of Michigan lakes, streams with fish

Peter Whorf
/
WKAR AM/FM/TV

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Crews are fanning out this spring to stock hundreds of Michigan lakes and streams with young fish.

 

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources says stocking is a tool for restoring and improving fishing opportunities in the Great Lakes as well as inland waterways.

The DNR's Fisheries Division raises fish at six production facilities around the state. It manages up to 46 rearing ponds and eight Great Lakes net pen locations. The agency has a fleet of 18 fish stocking vehicles.

In a typical year, the DNR stocks about 26 million fish, including eight species of trout and salmon and three cool-water strains of walleye and muskellunge.

The stocking operation runs from mid-March through early June at 700 to 1,100 sites.

Related Content
Support Local Journalism in Mid-Michigan

WKAR delivers fact-based, independent journalism—free and accessible to all. No paywalls, no corporate influence—just trusted reporting that keeps our community informed. Your support makes this possible. Donate today.