No....many times when emerald shiners are scarce, the bait wholesale folks get goodies and others from minnow farms where they are raised in ponds. Some times creek minnows are from creeks not local to lake erie. Unless you know your extra minnows came from lake erie, never return them to the lake. I have a pond at home with bass, blue gill, and catfish. They look forward to my return home with extra minnows...snack time!