The Michigan Department of Natural Resources stocked nearly 19 million fish this spring and summer, a total officials say will bolster fall fishing opportunities statewide.

From April through summer, crews stocked 18,958,970 fish weighing more than 331.5 tons. The fish represented 10 species and one hybrid, with stocking efforts aimed at supporting sportfishing, tourism and related industries that bring an estimated $3.9 billion to Michigan’s economy each year.

The work involved 417 stocking trips, 2,345 hours and more than 91,000 miles traveled in 17 specialized trucks to reach 716 sites.

Despite a severe ice storm in Northern Michigan that caused days-long power outages at Oden State Fish Hatchery, no fish were lost, allowing the DNR to meet its goals.

“We had another excellent sprin

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