Michigan's Fish Stocking Surge Boosts $3.9 Billion Sportfishing Industry and Ecological Health

This year, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has successfully stocked approximately 18,958,970 fish across the state, contributing significantly to Michigan's fisheries and enhancing recreational fishing opportunities. These efforts involved the stocking of fish from six state hatcheries and two cooperative facilities, supporting both ecological benefits and the state's $3.9 billion sportfishing industry.

The stocking operations, undertaken during the spring and summer, saw the release of 10 different fish species and one hybrid, with a collective weight exceeding 331.5 tons. The extensive operation required 417 trips, covering more than 91,000 miles with 17 specialized trucks to deliver fish to 716 designated sites. Fish were stocked in 61 inland lakes and rivers as well as throughout Lake Michigan.

This strategic initiative by the DNR not only provides high-quality fishing opportunities for residents and visitors but also supports the state economy through related businesses and tourism. Aaron Switzer, the DNR fish production manager, noted the success of the program in bringing ecological benefits and opportunities to Michigan anglers, attributing it to the hard work and dedication of the DNR staff.

Michigan's hatcheries are specialized facilities with the ability to rear various species based on water source and temperature conditions. Among the hatcheries, the Marquette State Fish Hatchery stocked lake trout, brook trout, and splake, reaching 94 sites throughout Michigan. Thompson State Fish Hatchery supplied steelhead, Chinook salmon, and walleye to 51 sites. The Oden State Fish Hatchery focused on brown and rainbow trout, stocking 98 sites, while Harrietta State Fish Hatchery also focused on these trout, reaching 171 sites.

The Platte River State Fish Hatchery provided Atlantic, Chinook, and Coho salmon to 30 sites, while Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery contributed steelhead and Chinook salmon across 49 sites. A cooperative teaching hatchery at Lake Superior State University stocked Atlantic salmon in the St. Marys River. Additionally, over 2.5 million walleye spring fingerlings were stocked, supported by local sporting organizations.

The DNR's fish stocking program is essential in maintaining healthy fish populations and caters to the varied needs of Michigan's angling community. While the primary stocking seasons are aligned with spring and fall based on optimum water temperature conditions, certain hatcheries continue to provide fish for additional fall stocking of species such as brook trout, Atlantic salmon, and lake sturgeon.

With the commitment to ecological stewardship and sustainable fisheries management, the DNR's partners, including Michigan State University and local conservation groups, play a critical role in supporting the hatchery operations and habitat restoration initiatives. These partnerships ensure the long-term sustainability of Michigan’s fish populations, supporting both ecological diversity and robust recreational opportunities for anglers statewide.