LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – If April showers bring May flowers, then spring and summer fish stocking bring fall fishing in Michigan.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reported that crews stocked a total of 18,958,970 fish that weighed more than 331.5 tons and consisted of 10 different species and one hybrid.

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Aaron Switzer, DNR fish production manager, emphasized that fish stocking is important to the state’s $3.9 billion sportfishing industry.

“We had another excellent spring and summer stocking season that will bring ecological benefits and fishing opportunities to Michigan anglers,” Switzer said. “Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our staff, healthy, high-quality fish were reared and delivered to stocking sites in excellent condition. The numbers produced and stocked hit the targets for most areas.”

The public is welcome at any of Michigan’s state fish hatcheries to see the fish-rearing process firsthand.