The Michigan Department of Natural Resources says it has stockpiled Michigan waters with 18 million fish so far this year.
Fish stocking, a process in which officials raise and release both cool and coldwater species in state waters, occurs year-round, with additional fish stockings planned for the fall.
In 2025, the DNR has stocked 18,958,000 fish, requiring 417 stocking trips. The fish stocked totaled more than 331.5 tons, and consisted of 10 different species and one hybrid.
Crews worked 2,345 hours and traveled just over 91,000 miles in 17 specialized stocking trucks to get to the 716 stocking sites across Michigan, the DNR said.
“We had another excellent spring and summer stocking season that will bring ecological benefits and fishing opportunities to Michigan anglers,” said Aaron Switzer, DNR fish production manager. “Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our staff, healthy, high-quality fish were reared and delivered to stocking sites in excellent condition. The numbers produced and stocked hit the targets for most areas.”
What to know about fish stocking efforts.
What kinds of fish were stocked?
The number and type of fish produced varies by hatchery, as each location’s ability to rear fish depends on the source and temperature of the rearing water, the DNR said. Fish are reared in Michigan’s state fish hatcheries anywhere from 1 to 18 months before they are stocked.
Each state of Michigan hatchery stocked the following fish this spring:
More than 2.5 million walleye spring fingerlings were also stocked, officials said, citing local sporting organizations’ support. These fish were stocked at 61 inland lakes and rivers and Lake Michigan.
Lake sturgeon will come from a cooperative hatchery in Tower, Michigan, operated with Michigan State University.
How many different species of fish are in Michigan waters?
Michigan is home to 155 different kinds of fish. Some fish, such as sunfish, are open to catch year-round while others, like walleye, bass and sturgeon, have specific seasons.
Michigan fishing license requirements
How to purchase a fishing license
Fishing licenses can be purchased at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or by downloading the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app and purchasing through the app. You also may purchase licenses in person at a variety of stores.
For Michiganders who regularly renew their license, select auto-renewal at checkout to automatically buy future licenses as they become available.
A checklist of what you need to start fishing
To get started fishing in Michigan the DNR recommends:
Jalen Williams is a trending reporter at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at jawilliams1@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: DNR adds more than 18 million fish to Michigan waters. What to know
Reporting by Jalen Williams, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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