Each year, DEC works with volunteer groups to stock a portion of the Lake Ontario Chinook salmon and steelhead in pen-rearing projects where the fish are held at the stocking location for 21 days prior to release. Previous studies have shown that pen-rearing improves both the survival of stocked fish and adult returns to the stocking site. This spring, the volunteer groups were able to develop alternate plans to operate the pen-rearing projects while still maintaining effective social distancing. Stocking of Lake Ontario pen-rearing projects began on April 3rd and was completed on April 14th. We were able to stock all planned Chinook salmon pen-rearing sites and three out of four planned steelhead pen-rearing sites this year. The pen-rearing program is a great example of DEC and anglers working together to provide enhanced management of the Lake Ontario fishery.