Stocking of 740,000 catchable size trout underway
Contact(s): Jeff Mosher, DNR Fish Production Manager, 608-267-7613
MADISON - Stocking trucks are rolling from state fish hatcheries now and will deliver about 740,000 catchable-size trout to inland waters in time for opening day of the 2018 regular inland trout season.
Catchable-size trout provide a variety of angling opportunities.
A total of 275,000 rainbow, 200,000 brown, 215,000 brook, and 50,000 lake trout will be stocked in more than 400 waters by May 5, says Jeff Mosher, Department of Natural Resources fish production manager.
"Gear up Wisconsin! Fish hauling trucks will be coming to publicly accessible waterbodies near you in time for the May fifth opener," Mosher says. "We're glad to be able to provide exciting fishing opportunities for anglers of all ages, and we thank you for your continued support in making Wisconsin one of America's best fishing destinations!"
The fish to be stocked out were raised at Nevin Fish Hatchery, Osceola Fish Hatchery and St. Croix Falls Hatchery. A complete list of 2018 inland waters expected to receive catchable trout can be found by visiting the DNR website, and searching "Catchable Trout."
Urban and community waters stocked to provide fishing opportunities to kids this spring
Additional fish were raised and are being stocked through cooperative rearing agreements with fishing clubs. About 70,000 fish will be stocked in urban fishing waters, small lakes and ponds cooperatively managed with the local municipality and used as a place for fishing clinics and kids fishing.
Many urban waters have no length limits and a special season for juveniles 15 years of age and younger as well as certain disabled anglers. For 2018, the special season started March 10 and runs through April 27. These waters also have a daily bag limit of three trout, one gamefish and 10 panfish. For details, search the DNR website, dnr.wi.gov, for "Fishing Regulations" and look under Urban and Community Fishing [PDF].