- FWS photo

- FWS photo

The crew of the Genoa National Fish Hatchery wrapped up the 2006 pond production season with great success.  

Walleye, yellow perch, black crappie, channel catfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and bluegill are the main species cultured and harvested from the ponds at the hatchery.    

All of these fish are annually produced in order to fulfill fisheries requests throughout the region, as well as to serve as vital host fish for native mussel restoration.  Fall fingerlings, which range in size from 3”-6” depending on species, are often in high demand by fish management biologists. 

Other management objectives include enhancing recreational fishing opportunities, research, tribal trust programs, and more recently, for the biological control of non-native carp species at the Horicon National Wildlife Refuge, Wisconsin.  

Overall, 57,294 walleye, 55,087 yellow perch, 27,386 black crappie, 2,868 channel catfish, 10,072 largemouth bass,  8,260 smallmouth bass, 226,336 bluegill were harvested this fall.  These fish were then distributed to state, tribal, and National Wildlife Refuge waters, with the exception of the largemouth and the smallmouth bass which are currently being held on station until next spring for use as host fish for the endangered Higgins Eye pearlymussel.