In September, many retired coaster brook trout were stocked into waters on the Grand Portage Tribal Reservation.  Staff from the Iron River National fish Hatchery planted approximately 1,700 Siskiwit bay coasters ranging from 12-17 inches and about 1,800 Tobin harbor coasters ranging from 8-17 inches. 

These fish went into Taylor Lake, a designated trout lake, on the reservation.  All fish planted had year-class and strain specific fin clips that will enable biologist to monitor these hatchery fish. 

This stocking event was unique in that fish were hauled via distribution truck from the hatchery, then offloaded onto four-wheel utility vehicles and taken ½ mile through the woods, over the rocks, and into the mud all the way to their final resting place, Taylor Lake. 

This was beneficial to the tribe by creating increased recreational fishing opportunities and beneficial to the Iron River Hatchery in that it greatly reduced the weight of fish held in brood raceways.