Fish are stocked at 239 locations in Ohio by 2023

COLUMBUS — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife stocked 40.8 million fish of 11 species in Ohio waters in 2023. The fish were stocked during the spring, summer and fall at 239 locations throughout the state. The annual fish stocks play an important role in providing great fishing for Ohio’s 1.7 million anglers.

The Division of Wildlife operates six state fish hatcheries that raise sport fish for stocking Ohio waters, enhancing recreational opportunities for anglers. Ohio hatcheries raise saugeye, walleye, yellow perch, rainbow trout, steelhead trout, brown trout, muskellunge, hybrid-striped bass, blue catfish, channel catfish and bluegill.

The majority of fish populations in Ohio are sustained by natural reproduction; however, stocking expands and diversifies fishing opportunities in waters where existing habitats do not support certain fish populations.

The 40.8 million fish stocked in Ohio last year had five life stages: 29.6 million fry, 10.3 million fingerlings, 237,740 advanced fingerlings, 131,178 catchable fish and 483,597 yearling fish.

These life stages include the following sport fish:

Those in the fry stage (less than 1 inch long) include saugeye (11.5 million), walleye (12.5 million), yellow perch (3 million) and hybrid-striped bass (2.6 million).

Those in the fingerling stage (1 to 2 inches long) include saugeye (5.5 million), walleye (1.6 million), yellow perch (2.3 million), bluegill (6,890) and hybrid-striped bass (954,260).

Those in the advanced fingerling stage (6 to 12 inches long) include blue catfish (130,153), channel catfish (88,264) and muskellunge (19,323).

Those in the yearling fish stage (7 to 12 inches long) include brown trout (18,699) and steelhead trout (464,898).

Catchable fish (6 inches or longer) include channel catfish (12,748), bluegill (9,273), brown trout (421) and rainbow trout (108,736).

The ODNR Division of Wildlife’s current and historical fish stocking records can be viewed through the DataOhio portal at the Fish StockingDatabase. Use the dataset to explore stocking locations and plan your next outing. Anglers age 16 and older are required to hold a valid Ohio fishing license on all public waters.

Ohio’s state fish hatcheries are open to the public and offer activities such as birding, hiking and archery. Each fish hatchery will host an open house this spring. The dates for the open houses are March 23 (St. Marys), April 6 (Hebron and Senecaville), April 13 (Castalia and Kincaid) and May 4 (London).