2026 Walleye Fingerlings

Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is soliciting bids for 18,504 walleye fingerlings to support 2026 stocking programs, with bids due September 23, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time and delivery required between October 26–30, 2026.

Fingerlings must measure 5 to 8 inches in length with an average target size of 6.5 inches and a minimum size of 5 inches. All fish must be certified as healthy by the Connecticut Fish Pathologist and free of serious diseases. Comprehensive fish health testing must include screening for SVC, VHS, IPN, Lymphocystis, Aeromonas salmonicida, Yersinia ruckeri, and Heterosporous, with results from a certified pathology laboratory submitted no less than ten days prior to departure. Fingerlings must be sourced from lake-dwelling walleye populations and delivered alive and in good health as determined by the State Fish Pathologist or DEEP Fisheries Biologist.

The vendor must coordinate delivery with Chris McDowell at least two weeks prior to loading, provide notifications on the day of loading, 24 hours before arrival, and two hours before crossing the Connecticut border. Only aquatic nuisance species-free well water may be used during transport, and the vendor must demonstrate that dreissenid mussel populations are absent from source waters. Drivers must possess knowledge of pH, dissolved oxygen, and water temperature requirements specific to walleye fingerlings and be experienced in acclimation and handling procedures. The vendor is responsible for obtaining all necessary state and federal permits for transporting live fish through intervening states and must provide a load manifest at least four days prior to delivery. Dead or unhealthy fish will not be stocked, and final invoices will be adjusted to reflect losses.

All bids must be submitted electronically through CTSOURCE on an F.O.B. Destination basis with shipping costs included in the unit price. Payment terms are Net 30 Days. The state is exempt from federal excise taxes and Connecticut sales tax. All bidders must be registered with CTSOURCE prior to submission. Delivery within two weeks after receipt of order applies to other standard DEEP terms. Late bids will not be accepted. DEEP reserves the right to reject any or all bids in whole or in part.