The Michigan Department of Natural Resources concludes a successful fall stocking season, adding over half a million fish to Michigan waters to boost future fishing.
A Record-Setting Stocking Season Boosts Michigan Fisheries
Michigan anglers have reason to celebrate. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) completed its fall 2024 fish stocking season, releasing 590,504 fish—an impressive 10.7 tons—into 78 locations statewide. This effort, combined with spring and summer stocking, brings the total fish stocked in 2024 to more than 9.7 million, ensuring vibrant fishing opportunities for years to come.
“This was another exceptional fall fish stocking season, enhancing fishing opportunities throughout Michigan,” said Aaron Switzer, DNR Fish Production Program Manager. “Thanks to our hatcheries and fisheries managers, we are meeting critical conservation and recreation goals.”
The fall stocking introduced seven species to Michigan’s waters, including Atlantic salmon, brook trout, brown trout, lake trout, rainbow trout, walleye, and muskellunge. These fish will eventually grow into sought-after catches, benefiting Michigan’s recreational fishing economy.
State Hatcheries Drive Fish Stocking Success
Michigan’s six state-run and three cooperative hatcheries form the backbone of the DNR’s stocking program. These facilities carefully rear fish from one month to 1.5 years before release. The fall season focuses on species that require fewer resources and are better suited to adapt as younger fish.
Key contributions from state hatcheries this fall include:
- Marquette State Fish Hatchery: Stocked 28,403 brook trout and 425 lake trout, totaling over 3,000 pounds, at 32 locations in the Upper Peninsula.
- Platte River State Fish Hatchery: Released 30,000 Atlantic salmon into a single Lake Huron location.
- Oden State Fish Hatchery: Added 82,000 brown trout and 82,919 rainbow trout across Upper and Lower Peninsula locations.
- Thompson State Fish Hatchery: Delivered over 47,000 muskellunge to 20 statewide sites.
- Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery: Stocked over 300,000 steelhead and nearly 1,600 muskellunge at eight locations.
Each hatchery plays a specific role based on water supply, temperature, and fish species needs. Timing and logistics are critical, as fish must be stocked at precise locations and intervals for optimal survival.
Supporting Michigan’s Ecosystems and Anglers
In addition to enhancing recreational opportunities, the DNR’s fish stocking efforts play a vital role in ecological balance. Species like muskellunge and walleye are essential to controlling invasive species and maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems.
DNR fisheries management units also stocked Muskegon strain fall fingerlings across multiple locations, including:
- Southern Lake Michigan Management Unit: 7,030 fingerlings in seven locations.
- Central Lake Michigan Management Unit: 2,205 fingerlings in four locations.
- Lake Erie Management Unit: 2,082 fingerlings in Lakeville Lake.
- Northern Lake Michigan Management Unit: 5,351 fingerlings in Little Bay de Noc.
These efforts highlight the DNR’s commitment to conserving Michigan’s water resources and sustaining its thriving fishing culture.
Michigan Hatcheries Open to Visitors
To foster public engagement, the DNR welcomes visitors to its state hatcheries and interpretive centers. Here, the public can learn about fish rearing and Michigan’s aquatic ecosystems. Families, educators, and anglers are encouraged to plan a trip to see the process firsthand.
For more details on hatchery visits, visit Michigan.gov/Hatcheries.
Find Stocking Details for Your Favorite Spot
Wondering if fish were stocked near your go-to fishing spot? The DNR maintains a fish stocking database with up-to-date stocking records. With easy access, anglers can plan trips to newly stocked waters.
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