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                        FISH PROPAGATION
  Wisconsin's fish propagation program began in 1874. The population of
game fish in Wisconsin was declining and at that time the propagation of
fish was the only known method of restoring fishing conditions. From 1874
to 1929 various species of fish were propagated and planted more or less
indiscriminately to most of the waters of the state. Much of the work done
accomplished the purpose intended. However, many waters were stocked
with species which were quite detrimental to the fishing possibilities of
the lakes and streams. The introduction of carp in southern waters and the
planting of crappies and northern pike in some northern waters are ex-
amples of improper stocking methods. On the other hand, the introduction
of brown and rainbow trout resulted in good trout fishing in waters too
warm for native brook trout.
  In 1929 first recognition of the need for fish habitat improvement was
given. This persisted, and in 1933 the first lake and stream improvement
projects were placed in operation under the CCC program. The work was
continued under the W. P. A. program and over one million dollars in fed-
eral funds was spent to build improvement structures and to carry on
stream-side planting in Wisconsin. Habitat conditions were definitely im-
proved in many streams as a result of this work particularly due to stream-
side planting. On the other hand, some of the work was definitely without
value and had a detrimental effect on the fish-carrying capacity of the
waters involved.
  Prior to 1935 fish were planted by interested individuals who made appli-
cations for fish. They called at the hatchery when the fish were ready for
delivery and planted them in the waters they wished to stock with fish.
In 1935 all fish plantings were placed under the supervision of Wisconsin
conservation wardens. The purpose of this change was to prevent the
planting of fish in waters to which they were not suited and also to make
sure that proper planting methods were used. At this time the conservation
department expanded its own facilities for the distribution of fish and many
were planted directly by departmental personnel.
  In 1936 a policy stressing the rearing of fish to larger sizes for planting
was inaugurated. Prior to this time all walleyes were planted as fry, most
of the muskellunge were planted as fry and the major portion of trout was
planted as fingerlings. It was then recognized that larger size warm water
fish would have a better opportunity to survive in waters populated with
panfish and other predacious species. The production of larger trout could
provide fishing during the same season that the fish were planted. This
policy has been continued and expanded to the present time.
  In 1938 the fish distribution policy was again changed. Quotas for each
body of water suitable for stocking were established once each year. The
county conservation warden, the area biologist, and the fishery area super-
visor held meetings to discuss the requirements of each lake and stream
and to establish a fish planting quota to be filled by the various hatcheries.
This plan has been in continuous operation ever since and all fish are
planted by department personnel.
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