To enhance fishing success and opportunities for Lake Michigan anglers, while sustaining a balanced and vibrant fisheries community, the Wisconsin DNR has released a new Lake Michigan fish stocking plan. Throughout 2019, DNR fisheries staff conducted an open and inclusive process to gather input on management options for the Lake Michigan fishery. For 2020, 2021 and 2022, Chinook salmon stocking numbers will increase to 1,200,000 fish annually, coho stocking will increase to 500,000 annually, steelhead stocking will increase to 460,000 fish annually and brown trout, a popular fish, caught off piers and in harbors, will increase to 450,000 fish annually.
“In meetings and in comments we received about this plan, there was strong interest in increases in stocking not just for chinook salmon but for coho salmon, steelhead and brown trout,” said Brad Eggold, Great Lakes District Fisheries Supervisor. “This plan accomplished that goal and contained increases for every type of fishermen.”
Fisheries managers will assess potential changes to stocking numbers for 2023 and beyond based on traditional and new data and metrics collected and evaluated in 2020, 2021 and 2022.
The DNR will also begin the development of a Lake Michigan brook trout stocking initiative this season. Brook trout are a revered native species that could produce critical near-shore angling opportunities.
In addition to the 2020-2022 stocking plan, department staff, in collaboration with charter, commercial and sport fishers, plan to:
- Expand salmon and trout net pen projects to maximize the survivability of stocked fish.
- Develop and implement innovative public/private data collection initiatives to better inform future management strategies.
- Enhance outreach and communication by more actively engaging stakeholders in communication initiatives.
- Increase and enhance diverse marketing and outreach strategies.
- Pursue salmon and trout habitat enhancement projects.
To learn more about Lake Michigan fisheries and Wisconsin’s current efforts to enhance them, visit dnr.wi.gov.
