LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) — Michigan’s waters are teeming with new life, thanks to the extensive fish stocking efforts by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) this year. 

Anglers can expect an excellent fall fishing season as the state has successfully stocked 9,118,112 fish in its lakes and rivers so far in 2024. This massive operation not only enhances recreational fishing opportunities but also supports the local economy, bringing in an estimated $4.2 billion and maintaining a Great Lakes fishery valued at more than $7 billion (State of Michigan).

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To accomplish this feat, 17 specialized trucks covered over 100,000 miles, making 451 trips to 691 different stocking sites across Michigan. The fish, weighing nearly 321 tons, were released early in the spring to minimize predation by birds like cormorants, which migrate in large numbers later in the season, according to the Detroit Free Press. 

Aaron Switzer, the DNR fish production manager, credited the success of this operation to the dedication and hard work of the DNR staff. “We had another excellent spring and summer stocking season that will bring ecological benefits and fishing opportunities to Michigan anglers. The numbers produced and stocked met the targets for most areas,” Switzer said (State of Michigan). 

Michigan’s fish stocking efforts are supported by six state hatcheries and two cooperative hatcheries, each specializing in different species depending on their location and resources. The Platte River State Fish Hatchery led this year’s efforts by stocking over 2.3 million fish, including yearling Atlantic salmon, coho salmon, and spring fingerling Chinook salmon to 23 sites.

Here’s a breakdown of other hatchery contributions this spring:

• The Marquette State Fish Hatchery stocked 323,710 fish, including lake trout, brook trout, and splake, across 90 sites.
• The Thompson State Fish Hatchery delivered 1,171,696 fish, primarily steelhead and Chinook salmon, to 64 sites.
• The Oden State Fish Hatchery stocked 762,074 yearling brown trout and rainbow trout across 159 sites, along with 3,689 adult trout.
• The Harrietta State Fish Hatchery supplied 684,487 yearling brown trout and rainbow trout to 200 sites.
• The Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery stocked 1,485,711 fish, including steelhead, muskellunge, and Chinook salmon, across 51 sites.
• Lake Superior State University’s cooperative hatchery stocked 19,285 Atlantic salmon into the St. Marys River.

Locally, counties such as Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne have also benefited significantly. Oakland County received about 120,000 fish, including walleye, splake, brown trout, and rainbow trout. Macomb County saw 71,000 fish stocked, primarily rainbow trout and walleye, while the Huron River in Wayne County received 50,000 rainbow trout.

As fall approaches, additional stockings are planned, featuring species such as brook trout, Atlantic salmon, walleye, lake sturgeon, and muskellunge. The lake sturgeon will come from the cooperative hatchery in Tower, operated in partnership with Michigan State University.

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More information and a detailed list of stocking locations can be found on the DNR’s Fish Stocking Database at michigandnr.com/fishstock.