Would fishing improve if local lakes or rivers were stocked with more fish?
Stocking is a fisheries management tool that must be used correctly to reap the benefits, be cost effective, and not unduly disrupt other beneficial aquatic animals. The DNR raises and stocks certain species of fish in water bodies around the state according to a carefully derived stocking plan. A few citizens’ organizations also participate in stocking of particular species through consultation with DNR fisheries biologists. In most cases, stocking of common fish like bass, bluegill, crappie or catfish will not improve fisheries in natural waters. The limiting factors of water quality and habitat control the number of fish that thrive in a particular area. If these factors are not improved, stocked fish will not survive and the effort will be wasted. Stocking of new species in an area must be planned carefully to avoid negative impacts on resident fish and other aquatic wildlife. Stocking of lakes or ponds that are managed by a park department or other public entity should be determin
