The six state-operated coldwater hatcheries in Michigan stock more than two million trout and salmon annually. Whether you follow the hatchery trucks or want all of Michigan's trout to be wild, it's important to know how to identify planted trout and salmon. Many, but not nearly all, of the state's stocked salmonids are marked by a single clipped fin. For several of the species, the clipped fins change each year in order to track the growth and migration of different year classes. The clipped fins can also help you identify which strain of brown, brook or rainbow trout you have caught. To get a definite identification of your fish, note the clipped fin and the county and body of water in which the fish was caught. Then check the complete DNR Fish Stocking Report. In an effort to evaluate the migration, survival and harvest of various fish stocks, the Michigan DNR Fisheries Division wants to know about any marked fish that you catch. Of particular interest are Chinook Salmon, Skamania and Steelhead. If you release your catch, record the species, length, weight, sex, date and location, and fin clip or tag number. Report this information to the nearest Fisheries office. If you catch a salmon or trout with JUST the adipose fin missing, that fish may have a microwire tag implanted in its head. The DNR asks that you record the information above, freeze only the head, and take it to the nearest Fisheries office. Fisheries offices can be found on the DNR website or by calling 517.373.1280.

Brown Trout Rainbow Trout Common Markings Right Ventral Clip RV Left Ventral Clip LV Right Pectoral Clip RP Left Pectoral Clip LP Adipose Clip AD Adipose Clip/Microwire Tag AM Dart Tag/Oxytetracycline DT OX