Hatchery Releases Fish Into Mat-Su Lake

Fishing season is on

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By Kate McPherson
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Story Created: May 11, 2012 at 5:52 PM AKDT

Story Updated: May 14, 2012 at 8:28 AM AKDT

MATANUSKA-SUSITNA VALLEY - It was a good day for the new sports fish hatchery in Anchorage.

The first group of rainbow trout to be reared there was successfully transported to Kepler-Bradley Lake in the valley.

Kepler-Bradley Lake in the Mat-Su is now home to nearly 3,000 new rainbow trout.

These fish have had a big day, starting their journey in Anchorage at the William Jack Hernandez hatchery.

"These folks are deploying a seine that will gently move the fish over to the intake of the fish pump,” said Andrea Tesch, the hatchery manager.

These rainbows were the first fish to enter the new hatchery last July, and now they are the first to leave

For a few years before the new facility, the rainbow trout were being reared in un-heated water in an outdoor facility, which staff say was a struggle.

With the rainbows loaded into tanks, it's off to the Valley.

"It's especially important in times like this when we have quite a few restrictions on the king salmon fishery, this will give anglers more opportunity so we are excited to provide plenty of angler days as well," said Samantha Oslund, assistant area management biologist.

A new generation of fish, for a new generation of anglers.

The Department of Fish and Game stocks around 80 lakes in the Mat-Su Valley and there are 30 wild lakes, giving anglers plenty of choice this summer.
 

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