(KNOX) – Walleye fingerling stocking wrapped up with Garrison Dam National Fish Hatchery setting a record with just short of 12 million fingerlings produced.
Distribution trucks traveled more than 12,000 miles over a two-week period to stock the fish, according to Jerry Weigel, North Dakota Game and Fish Department fish production/development section supervisor.
When combined with fingerling production from Valley City National Fish Hatchery, 177 waters were stocked, providing a great boost in developing future fishing prospects across the state.
While producing nearly 12 million walleye fingerlings is significant for the one hatchery, Garrison Dam and Valley City National Fish Hatchery combined efforts in 2017 to produce more than 12 million fingerlings.
“Traditionally, on large production years, significant numbers of walleye fingerlings would go to big systems like Lake Sakakawea, Lake Ashtabula and Stump Lake,” Weigel said. “This year, no walleyes went to those waters, given very strong survival from last year’s stockings. Just over 10 million fish went to up-and-coming smaller systems to enhance those fisheries along with taking advantage of rising lake levels at many prairie lakes due to the very wet spring.”
Each spring, walleye eggs are collected by fisheries personnel and taken to Garrison Dam and Valley City national fish hatcheries where they are hatched. After hatching, the walleye fry are stocked into production ponds and after a month of growth, 1-inch or more fingerlings are collected and stocked across the state.
“Stocking conditions in 2024 were optimal given the wet spring and early summer, and cooler than normal temps,” Weigel said. “The receiving waters were rich in invertebrates, critical food for the survival of the newly stocked walleye. Conditions are favorable for good survival and growth of young walleyes, which will continue to provide good fishing opportunities across the state for years to come.”
Water recreationists should do their part to help prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species in North Dakota.
While the effort to stop the transportation of ANS has been mostly successful, challenges remain as not all anglers, pleasure boaters and other water enthusiasts are abiding by the clean, drain, dry message.
North Dakota waters remain relatively free of aquatic nuisance species. Besides common carp, most species – zebra mussels, Eurasian water milfoil, flowering rush, curlyleaf pondweed and three species of invasive carp – are only found in a handful of waters in the state.
To keep our waters clean of aquatic nuisance species, the Game and Fish Department reminds all water users to clean, drain and dry all equipment after every use.
- Clean and remove all plants and animals from watercraft or equipment prior to leaving any recreational area.
- Drain all water from watercraft and equipment before leaving designated access points. Not draining water can be extremely hazardous and may cause negligent transportation of aquatic nuisance species to other locations.
- Dry all equipment completely before using again.
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