Steelhead stocking connects Spartans to the Red Cedar River

Sierra Jezuit<jezuitsi@msu.edu> - May 19, 2026

MSU community members gathered along the Red Cedar River on April 28 for a steelhead stocking. Hosted by the MSU Fisheries and Wildlife Club and Michigan DNR partners, the event highlighted fish stocking efforts in Michigan waterways.

Michigan State University students, faculty and community members gathered along the Red Cedar River on April 28 for a hands-on steelhead stocking event. Hosted by the MSU Fisheries and Wildlife Club in partnership with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MI DNR) and Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery, the effort offered a closer look at how fish stocking supports Michigan’s waterways.

MI DNR hatchery truck.jpg — A Michigan Department of Natural Resources hatchery truck arrives along the Red Cedar River, carrying thousands of juvenile steelhead raised at Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery.

Bucket and student combined.jpg — Juvenile steelhead wait in buckets before release, giving students a close look at the species they are helping return to Michigan waterways.

Steelhead, a migratory form of rainbow trout, play an important role in Michigan’s coldwater fisheries but cannot reproduce naturally in the Red Cedar River, making stocking essential to maintaining populations and supporting recreational fishing opportunities across Michigan.

The event began with members of the MSU Fisheries and Wildlife Club releasing juvenile steelhead from buckets, followed by a large-scale release of the remaining 3,500 fish from the MI DNR hatchery truck.

Students releasing steelhead 1.jpg

Students releasing steelhead 2.jpg — Students release juvenile steelhead into the Red Cedar River during the stocking event.

Steelhead release from pipe.jpg — Thousands of steelhead are released directly from a hatchery truck, completing the large-scale portion of the stocking effort.

By working alongside the Michigan DNR and hatchery professionals, students engaged directly with the practices that sustain aquatic ecosystems. Others gathered along the banks and nearby bridges to watch, ask questions and learn more about the process.

Steelhead bridge attendees.jpg — Students and community members gather along the river and nearby bridge to watch the stocking.

As the steelhead dispersed into the river, the event highlighted the connection between campus life and the natural resources that shape it, giving students a tangible understanding of their role in protecting Michigan’s fisheries and waterways.