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Stocking schedule by species

Walleye stocking schedule — all states.

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Walleye are stocked as fry or fingerlings to supplement natural reproduction in reservoirs and lakes. Stocked walleye behave identically to wild fish — they disperse to structure within hours of release and grow to catchable size (15+ inches) over 3–4 years. Stocking success depends heavily on forage availability and predation rates in the receiving water.

National calendar

Typical walleye stocking calendar.

Across the 20 states that stock walleye, the typical stocking months are below. Specific dates and waters vary by state — consult each agency report.

JanJan — no stocking Walleye typical size: 1–2 inch fry; 2–4 inch fingerlingFebFeb — no stocking Walleye typical size: 1–2 inch fry; 2–4 inch fingerlingMarMar — no stocking Walleye typical size: 1–2 inch fry; 2–4 inch fingerlingAprApr — moderate stocking Walleye typical size: 1–2 inch fry; 2–4 inch fingerlingMayMay — moderate stocking Walleye typical size: 1–2 inch fry; 2–4 inch fingerlingJunJun — moderate stocking Walleye typical size: 1–2 inch fry; 2–4 inch fingerlingJulJul — no stocking Walleye typical size: 1–2 inch fry; 2–4 inch fingerlingAugAug — no stocking Walleye typical size: 1–2 inch fry; 2–4 inch fingerlingSepSep — no stocking Walleye typical size: 1–2 inch fry; 2–4 inch fingerlingOctOct — no stocking Walleye typical size: 1–2 inch fry; 2–4 inch fingerlingNovNov — no stocking Walleye typical size: 1–2 inch fry; 2–4 inch fingerlingDecDec — no stocking Walleye typical size: 1–2 inch fry; 2–4 inch fingerling
Typical stocking size1–2 inch fry; 2–4 inch fingerling
Stocking water temperature50–70°F

Targeting

Newly-stocked walleye.

Stocked walleye don't differ tactically from wild walleye once they reach catchable size. Jigs tipped with minnows, crankbaits along structure breaks, and live bait rigs over rocky points are standard. Cooler water (post-spawn spring and fall) produces the most consistent walleye action.

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States

That stock walleye.

8 states have notable walleye stocking programs. Click through for the state-specific schedule and official agency report.

Walleye stocking alerts — your home water.

Bield Fish parses agency stocking reports across states and pushes alerts when walleye hit your saved waters.

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