NDGF walleye stocking fry
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department stocked nearly 12 million walleye fingerlings statewide earlier this summer, about 11 million of which were raised at Garrison Dam National Fish Hatchery and 1.1 million at Valley City National Fish Hatchery.
The record combined walleye production from both federal hatcheries was more than 12 million in 2017.
“Traditionally, on large production years, significant numbers of walleye fingerlings would go to big systems”, according to Jerry Weigel, North Dakota Game and Fish Department fish production and development section supervisor, “but this year, 2.3 million walleye went into Lake Sakakawea and just under 500,000 into Stump, Darling and Ashtabula, with the remaining fish stocked into over 150 other lakes”.
Each spring, walleye eggs are collected by fisheries personnel and taken to Garrison Dam and Valley City national fish hatcheries where they are hatched. Shortly after, the walleye fry are stocked into production ponds and after a month of growth, 1-inch or larger fingerlings are collected and stocked across the state.
Distribution trucks traveled more than 12,000 miles over a two-week period in June to stock fingerlings.
“Stocking conditions in 2026 were optimal given the unusually cool temperatures over the weeks in June when fish were being stocked,” 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.
Additionally, 1.1 million northern pike fingerlings where stocked into 37 waters statewide. These pike stockings are generally limited to waters that do not support walleye but provide unique fishing opportunities and enjoyment from the fast-growing pike.
Department partnerships with national hatcheries, department stocking efforts and favorable conditions continue to bolster excellent fishing opportunities across the state for years to come.
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