Story Fish Hatchery Distributes Brood Fish

SHERIDAN – Anglers in northeast Wyoming have an opportunity to catch some really nice brook and brown trout this fall and winter. Story Fish Hatchery personnel are stocking hundreds of 1-2 pound brown and brook trout in Panther Pond near Wright and Blackhills Power and Light Pond (also called Osage Pond) near Upton.

The trout are being stocked after fall spawning operations were completed at the Story Fish  Hatchery.  These are extra fish that are not needed in future years. 

To provide anglers extended opportunities to pursue these fish, the trout will be stocked periodically during November, December, and January.

The Story Fish Hatchery has been under stocking restrictions in recent years after a group of fish at the hatchery was found to be positive for the whirling disease parasite. The brown trout and brook trout being stocked this fall and winter were tested for the whirling disease parasite and were given a clean bill of health. However, as a precautionary measure, these fish will only be stocked in waters where they cannot impact wild trout populations “We're just glad that we are able to put these large fish out there for anglers to enjoy.” says Steve Diekema, Story Fish Hatchery Superintendent. 

Area Fisheries Supervisor Paul Mavrakis says, “Gillette Fishing Lake and High Country Park Pond have been stocked with Story brood fish in the past but will not receive any this fall and winter because of low water conditions.”  He adds, “These are really some beautiful fish and we are fortunate to be able to stock them in these local fisheries.”