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Fish stocking

Find out when, where and what species we are stocking throughout the state.

Please note, it can take several weeks for the most current stocking information to show up in the database.

Search Michigan's Fish Stocking database

We produce tens of millions of fish for stocking each year, both coolwater and coldwater species. Coolwater species include walleye, muskellunge, northern pike and sturgeon. Coldwater species include trout and salmon. We don't rear warmwater fish such as bass and panfish as they are prolific breeders and can sustain viable populations without stocking. Instead, fishing regulations are used to manage their populations.

Many factors go into determining where fish are stocked- in fact, it's one of the most frequently asked questions we receive. Factors include the current habitat, forage and predators and/or competitors of the waterbody. Have you wondered why your favorite lake isn't stocked? It's probably because it does a fine job of maintaining its fish populations all on its own - which is a great thing!

Where, why & how the DNR stocks and rears fish