Michigan DNR stocked over 21 million fish this year

ALPENA, Mich. — More than 21 million fish have been stocked in Michigan’s waterways this year. The species include brown trout, coho salmon, steelhead, walleye, and nine others. The total combined weight is equal to 311 tons.

The Alpena research station alone distributed 18,231 Atlantic salmon and 49,926 coho salmon. Randy Claramunt, Lake Huron basin coordinator with the DNR, says that fish stocking serves several purposes in Michigan. “The stocking is really aimed at sport fishing, sport fish restoration, or native species recovery,” he said.

Claramunt mentioned the field staff collecting data and their managers work closely with state holders and fish production facilities to make stocking this many fish possible. “I look at it as a picture of an overall success story that we’re doing with the resources of Michigan.”