- Michigan DNR stocked nearly 19 million fish this spring and summer, representing 10 species and one hybrid
- The stocking involved 417 trips to 716 sites, supporting a $3.9 billion fishing-related economy
- Additional fish, including Atlantic salmon, walleye, lake sturgeon and muskellunge, will be stocked this fall
Michigan anglers are getting an annual boost after the state Department of Natural Resources stocked nearly 19 million fish across the state’s waterways this spring and summer.
The 18.9 million fish, representing 10 species and one hybrid, weighed more than 331 tons and came from six state hatcheries and two cooperative hatcheries. The effort supports Michigan’s $3.9 billion fishing-related economy while helping restore fish populations, maintain ecosystem balance and expand angling opportunities.
“We had another excellent spring and summer stocking season that will bring ecological benefits and fishing opportunities to Michigan anglers,” Aaron Switzer, the fish production manager for the DNR, said in a statement. “The numbers produced and stocked met the targets for most areas.”
The stocking required 417 trips, 91,000 miles of travel and 2,345 hours to deliver fish to 716 inland and Great Lakes sites, according to the state. Despite a severe ice storm that cut power to the Oden State Fish Hatchery, no fish were lost and the DNR said it met its goals.
The fish came from:
- Marquette State Fish Hatchery: 368,452 yearling lake trout, brook trout and splake (a hybrid of lake trout and brook trout), which stocked a total of 94 inland and Great Lakes sites.
- Thompson State Fish Hatchery: 2.39 million fish, including steelhead, Chinook salmon, muskellunge and walleye, which stocked 51 sites.
- Oden State Fish Hatchery: 737,604 yearling brown and rainbow trout and 6,270 adults, which stocked 98 sites.
- Harrietta State Fish Hatchery: 825,388 yearling brown and rainbow trout, which stocked 171 inland sites.
- Platte River State Fish Hatchery: 4.89 million Atlantic and coho salmon, Chinook salmon, and Skamania steelhead, which stocked 30 sites.
- Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery: 7.2 million fish, including steelhead, Chinook salmon and channel catfish, which stocked 49 sites.
- Lake Superior State University’s teaching hatchery: 23,378 Atlantic salmon stocked in the St. Marys River.
The total also includes more than 2.5 million walleye spring fingerlings reared in DNR ponds with help from local sporting organizations.
Related: Michigan fishing licenses 2025: How much they cost and how to apply
Additional fish — including brook trout, Atlantic salmon, walleye, lake sturgeon and muskellunge — are scheduled to be stocked this fall, with lake sturgeon supplied by the cooperative hatchery in Tower operated with Michigan State University.
Michigan fishing licenses, costs and discounts
Michigan residents can now buy or renew fishing licenses that are valid through March 31, 2026.
Adult licenses cost $26 for residents and $76 for nonresidents. Seniors, legally blind residents, and youth qualify for discounted rates and day passes are available for $10. Licenses can be purchased online, at DNR offices or from authorized agents.
License holders can fish in Michigan’s Great Lakes and thousands of inland waters, but a Michigan license is only valid within the state’s borders.
Thank you to our Bridge Michigan Outdoors sponsors
Bridge Michigan Outdoors is made possible by generous financial support from our sponsors. Please visit the About page for more information and to subscribe to Bridge Michigan Outdoors. Interested in becoming a sponsor? Contact Emma Carr.
Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under our Republication Guidelines. Questions? Email republishing@bridgemi.com
