Stocking Permits - Ask Vinny

Dear Fish,

Stocking permits vary from state to state, but they allow owners to stock ponds or rivers on their property. In Montana, stocking permits don't transfer upon the sale of the ranch but are typically very easy to obtain if the property you are purchasing already has one in place. These permits can be renewed every ten years for a small fee, and Montana will typically send a fish biologist out to do a personal inspection before issuing a permit. Some critical things Montana will look for are if you are in a floodplain, close to live water like rivers, or any other locations where non-native fish can escape into native fish habitats. Other states like Colorado and Wyoming have different parameters for stocking permits and allow some rivers and ponds to be stocked with non-native fish. I recommend getting in touch with your state Fish, Wildlife, and Parks department to discuss options to obtain a fish stocking permit.