Walleye Stocking Program Overview
SLA first partnered with the MN DNR to provide supplemental stocking in 2007.
The fingerlings stocked in Stalker Lake are from neighboring Sommer Lake. Local weather conditions, water levels and the absence of a full freeze out all affect fingerling availability and size.
The DNR stocks on odd years (2019, 2021, 2023, etc).
In 2011 and 2013, the DNR stocked 1,290 and 1,220 lbs of fingerlings, respectively.
In 2015 the DNR set a new standard to 1 lb to literal acre, or approximately 575 lbs for Stalker Lake.
In 2015 and 2017, the DNR stocking levels dropped to below 400 lbs primarily due to the lack of a winter freeze out on Sommer Lake decreasing fingerling availability.
In 2019 met their stocking pounds requirement with fingerlings.
In 2021, the DNR met their stocking goals as far as weight, but the fish count was significantly down as the dry summer decreased young fish, so the fish stocked were larger.
SLA stocks on the even years (2018, 2020, 2022)
In 2020, the SLA leadership spent significant time understanding the latest DNR studies that showed very low walleye populations in the lake.
A plan was put in place to get the stocking levels back to the previous levels of 1,200 lbs every two years, requiring about 600 lbs every two years from the SLA.
We are in the second stocking cycle since the discussed plan was put in place.
Permitting and Contracting - 2022 Stocking Cycle
Paperwork was filed in September and we have received verbal approval of the DNR stocking permit for 2022 (as of 10/26).
Klug Fish farms will be providing fingerlings again this year, consistent with the 2020 stocking year
We will be stocking 4-6 inch fingerlings which approximates 30-35 fingerlings per pound.
The fish are scheduled to be stocked in December 22 through the ice, once the ice is safe in 6-10 ft of water.