Fish Stocking

Why is Fish Stocking Important?

The National Fish Hatchery System raises and stocks over 98 million fish and aquatic wildlife every year to support recreational fishing, tribal subsistence fisheries, and the recovery and restoration of imperiled species. National fish hatcheries across the country work with states and tribes to produce and distribute fish for recreational and conservation purposes, and provide refuge for endangered species. Every year we raise approximately 73 fish species like walleye, pallid sturgeon, brown trout, and Atlantic salmon.

The next time you go fishing, you might just catch a fish that was raised at a national fish hatchery. Since 1872 we have been working to improving recreational fishing and restoring aquatic species that are in decline, at risk, and are important to the health of our aquatic systems. 

Fish Stocking Supports Conservation

Our national fish hatcheries restore and maintain healthy fisheries through carefully planned rearing and stocking programs. Fish are stocked for numerous reasons including the recovery of federally listed, threatened, or endangered species, the restoration of imperiled species, fulfillment of tribal partnerships and trust responsibilities, and fish stocking provides excellent recreational fishing opportunities that benefit local communities.