Joe Manchin III, Governor

Frank Jezioro, Director

News Release : July 10, 2006

Hoy Murphy, Public Information Officer (304) 558-3381 hoymurphy@wvdnr.gov

Contact: Bret Preston, Wildlife Resources Section (304) 558-2771 wildlife@wvdnr.gov

WVDNR Completes Spring 2006 Ohio River Fish Stockings

  The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources has completed the spring stocking of largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, blue catfish, hybrid striped bass, and native walleye into the Ohio River , according to Bret Preston , Assistant Chief of the Wildlife Resources Section. These stockings are components of the DNR's Ohio River Fisheries Management Plan implemented in the spring of 2005. All fish were reared at the Apple Grove or Palestine state fish hatcheries and stocked during April, May and June.

  A total of 96,090 largemouth bass fingerlings were stocked into the Racine , Belleville , and Willow Island pools. Smallmouth bass fingerlings (13,401), native walleye fingerlings (3,200), and hybrid striped bass fingerlings (15,834) were stocked into the Hannibal Pool. The Pike Island Pool received 3,300 native walleye fingerlings, as well as 15,920 hybrid striped bass fingerlings. Hybrid striped bass fingerlings were also stocked into the Willow Island Pool (15,107) and the R.C. Byrd Pool (4,126). In addition, 2,588 blue catfish advanced-sized fingerlings were stocked into the R.C. Byrd, Racine , and Belleville pools in April.

  “Fish stocking is one task involved with the management of the multi-species Ohio River fisheries,” said Chris O'Bara, fisheries biologist. “A complimentary task currently ongoing is the enhancement of fish habitat.”

  Anglers interested in participating in habitat-enhancing activities can contact the Chris O'Bara at the DNR Parkersburg office at (304) 420-4550 to volunteer. Additional stockings will be conducted in the summer and fall of 2006 for largemouth bass, blue catfish, and paddlefish. WVDNR fishery staff will continue to conduct tasks outlined in the Ohio River Fishery Management Plan to enhance a diversity of angling opportunities.

**DNR**