PITTSFIELD, Mass. – MassWildlife on Wednesday afternoon received some help from people in Pittsfield to help stock Onota Lake with fish.

Five-hundred-and-fifty rainbow trout were released into the lake, marking the start of a popular spring and summer activity. 

“We want to provide something for people to be able to catch throughout the spring and summer and fall months, so it takes a little bit of pressure off of any wild populations of fish that are in the waters. We do lakes and ponds, brooks, streams and rivers,” said western Massachusetts MassWildlife aquatic biologist Leanda Fontaine.

Throughout the state, MassWildlife stocks about 450,000 fish and just over 80,000 for Western Massachusetts for 10 weeks in the spring. The fish include brook, rainbow, tiger and brown trout.

Kids were able to take part in this event, sending the fish into the water. 

“I did it earlier and then they just wanted me to put it down. But then I grabbed it and chucked it a million feet in the air,” said Chase Arnhold.

MassWildlife says this is a great opportunity to get involved with young people and get them excited about outdoor fun. 

“I love doing these events. They are so good for the kids.” Western Massachusetts MassWildlife wildlife technician Kalina Flood said. “For some kids, they might not have anyone to bring them out fishing. So having this engagement to see trout, it might be something they’re interested in, and no one’s given them the opportunity.”

If you missed today’s event, MassWildlife will be stocking in Plymouth and Chicopee April 18 and Leominster on April 19.