The strategy and science behind fish stocking
Why we stock certain species and sizes of fish
By Chris Penne / DWR Northern Region Aquatic Manager / June 26 2020
“Why did you stock that species of fish in that water?” is one of the most common questions I get as a fisheries professional. That question is usually followed by “And, why did you stock the fish at that size?”
Chris Penne is the regional aquatic manager in the DWR’s Ogden, Utah office. As a self-described fish-head, he loves managing fish on the job and then catching them in his spare time.
While the answer to each of these questions can be tied to specific situations, there are some general reasons why biologists choose to stock certain species and sizes of fish:
- Providing fish and fun
- Serve as management tools
- Helping fish in need
- Stocking fish at the right size
- Using research to improve efficiency
- Understanding the strategy
Chris Penne
Chris Penne is the regional aquatic manager in the DWR’s Ogden office. As a self-described fish-head, he loves managing fish on the job and then catching them in his spare time.
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Rainbow trout are a favorite catch for many anglers. We stock them in Utah’s community ponds in the spring and fall.
