Biologist planting excess broodstock lake trout into Plunkett Lake. - FWS photo by Steve Redman

Staff from the Iron River National Fish Hatchery loaded excess lake trout and brook trout from many different strains and year classes.  With the approval of the Wisconsin DNR and transport assistance from the Bayfield state fish hatchery, Plunkett Lake in north east Wisconsin, was stocked with approximately 500 Superior Traverse Island strain broodstock.

The trout averaged between 23 and 28 inches in length and weighed between 5 and 12 pounds.  Also several excess coaster brook trout were stocked into waters on the Grand Portage Tribal Reservation. 

Staff from the Iron River National fish Hatchery planted approximately 430 Siskiwit bay coasters ranging from 12-17 inches and about 380 Tobin harbor coasters ranging from 8-17 inches. 

These fish went into Taylor Lake, a designated trout lake, on the reservation. All fish stocked had a strain specific fin clip for identification.  The reason for stocking these large fish was that the broodstock rearing facility had reached capacity, therefore reductions in these stocks needed to be made  to provide room for younger fish.

Both areas stocked will supply exceptional recreational opportunities for the general public.