The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife stocked more than 238,000 fish in Knox County in 2022 at Knox Lake and Ariel-Foundation Park.

The ODNR stocked 52.3 million fish of 11 species in Ohio waters throughout 2022, according to a news release. Fish were stocked during spring, summer and fall at 203 locations statewide, including the two Knox County locations. The total represents a 15% increase over the annual production and stocking goal of 44 million fish.

Knox Lake’s 476 acres were stocked with 238,067 yellow perch fingerlings, which was 57,017 more fingerlings than the previous time the lake was stocked in 2019. In 2017, the Division of Wildlife stocked 3,060 channel catfish in the lake.

Ariel-Foundation Park had 600 catchable rainbow trout stocked in 2022, with 603 in 2021 and 600 stocked in 2020. More trout were stocked in 2019 with 942. A year earlier, 1,100 catchable rainbow trout were stocked and 1,069 in 2017.

Kokosing Lake’s 154 acres were last stocked in 2017 when 5,158 fingerlings and 2,950 yearling channel catfish were stocked.

“Raising, transporting and releasing 52 million fish is a huge undertaking and provides great fishing statewide for Ohio’s more than 1 million anglers,” said Division of Wildlife Chief Kendra Wecker. “I’m proud of the dedicated fish management staff who work to keep our state the fishing hotspot that it is.”

The Division of Wildlife operates six state fish hatcheries that raise sport fish for stocking in Ohio waters, enhancing recreational opportunities for anglers. Ohio’s hatcheries raise saugeye, walleye, yellow perch, rainbow trout, steelhead trout, brown trout, muskellunge, hybrid-striped bass, blue catfish, channel catfish and bluegill.

Fingerling fish are 1 to 2 inches long, with the numbers of fish stocked: Saugeye (5.6 million), walleye (5.2 million), yellow perch (1.7 million), brown trout (17,719) and hybrid striped bass (505,961).

Yearling fish are 8 to 12 inches long, with the total fish stocked: Brown trout (21,200), channel catfish (30,730) and steelhead trout (470,912).

The Hebron State Fish Hatchery is in southern Licking County, north of Buckeye Lake. This hatchery has 63 ponds, 13 indoor rearing troughs, 25 acres of wetlands and 50 wooded acres with 2.5 miles of nature trails. The location also includes the Hebron Fish Hatchery Archery Range.