ESCANABA, MI (AP)-- The Michigan Department of Natural Resources says that with help from tribes and other partners more than 4.8 million fingerlings have been stocked this year in state waters.
The DNR Fisheries Division says that the fingerlings were reared in ponds that are critical for its cool water fisheries management. More than 20 walleye ponds were used this year. Most rely heavily on support from sportsmen's groups.
Eggs are taken from adult walleye from the Muskegon River and Little Bay De Noc. The eggs then hatch at state fish hatcheries. After hatching, the larval walleyes are moved to ponds where they are reared for 50 to 60 days. The fingerlings are then stocked in public waters. They grow to legal size in four to five years.