Prairieschooner,

In most states years back, if there was a sustainable body of water, the fish and game agencies would stock it as a matter of routine. Probably something to do with keeping the water healthy and useful. Don't know if they still do that now.

Then there is the 'bucket brigade' phenomenon. This is where regular old folks that should know better decide that they want fish in the water where they aren't, so they go catch some where they are, put them in a bucket, and them dump them in where they aren't. Most state game and fish agencies frown on this practice, but it still happens a lot.

As others have noted, fish can get into unstocked bodies of water by lots of means.

If you can legally get to it, I'd try fishing it. Those 'retention lakes and canals' can be hotspots that no else bothers with.

Good Luck!

Buddy