This is what fish stocking, specifically for walleye, looks like. These workers are civilians involved several years ago in a program supported by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. (Photo courtesy of the DNR)

SAULT STE. MARIE –  The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians conducted its annual walleye and whitefish stocking efforts this summer in the waters of the 1836 Ceded Territory. Staff biologists transported and released an estimated 437,696 walleye fingerlings and 109,847 whitefish into the waters of the eastern Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula. 

“Each year, these efforts account for a significant share of all walleye fingerlings released statewide, contributing millions of dollars in economic activity for both commercial and sport fisheries,” said Sault tribe Chairman Austin Lowes. “And our biologists continue to lead the state in developing pond raising techniques to help support broader efforts to revive whitefish populations that have been harmed by invasive mussels.”

The Sault Tribe’s Walleye hatchery has been in operation for nearly 30 years, with more than 20.5 million walleye stocked since the program began in 1995. This expertise has been applied to Whitefish, and the tribe is among the only organizations in North America to successfully raise and stock whitefish using this method. Each year, biologists collect, fertilize and incubate Walleye and Whitefish eggs before raising them in ponds until they are ready for release. 

The pond-raised walleye were released in various locations across the eastern Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula, including:

• Sault Area – 24,572


• Lake Nicolet – 71,639


• Lake George – 69,670


• Raber Bay – 24,888


• Potagannissing Bay – 141,295


The stocking efforts of both walleye and whitefish go beyond the economic impact; it is also a preservation technique to protect the species against harmful invasives and anthropogenic impacts to the surrounding rivers. The Sault tribe aims to ensure these species can thrive for many generations to come.

“This work reflects our deep responsibility to protect the waters and fisheries that have sustained our people for generations, and it’s something we take great pride in” said Lowes.

The tribe is collaborating with the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians and the Nature Conservancy to continue advancing its approach to whitefish stocking. This year the tribe was able to more than double the whitefish released compared to 2024.

Bud Sargent can be reached at 906-228-2500, extension 544. His email address is bsargent@miningjournal.net.