Stocking a pond

[Grumpycat]

I think if one has a pond and wants certain kinds of fish in it that one should just go to the fishery and buy a few buckets of whatever one wishes. Dump them in your pond and see what happens.

If same species as already there, then you will have enhanced genetic diversity of your stock.

Sometimes pursuit of perfection is the enemy of "good enough".

 

[JDAOWNER]

I HAVE A SMALL POND--LESS THAN 1 ACRE. I FISHED THE FINGER LAKES AND KEPT SOME BASS THAT WERE TOO SMALL -PUT THEM IN MY POND WITH SOME BLUE GILLS AND SUNNIES AND THAT SEEMS TO WORK WELL. EXECPT--- NOW THERE ARE TOO MANY AND THEY DON'T GET ANY BIGER THAN ABOUT A POUND OR SO. I DON'T EAT THEM, BUT I DO FISH A FEW TIMES A YEAR TO CHECK ON THEIR HEALTH. I USED TO HAVE CRAB AND LEACH IN THERE, BUT THE FISH TOOK CARE OF THEM IN SHORT ORDER.

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

You have a beautiful pond. And it looks like there are good fish in it already.

Some good info already. You need to fish it often, to get more information. My guess is you need to pull out bass between 1.5 lbs and 3 lbs. This will help the whoppers get bigger.

Does the pond have a side with some plants for smaller fish to hide? Some people like to add large minnows/shiners every now and then, for fodder. If they have a place to hide, they can sustain themselves somewhat.

The crappie will compete with the bass. If you want big bass, catch and eat the crappie. They are delicious.

Eddie, your pond has come a long way! Glad to see it.

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

You might have your well water checked before filling your pond with it. It probably has low oxygen.

Our pond has 2 tributary creeks. In 18 years, we've had 2 turnovers. (Major fish kills). But there are still big fish in it.

 

[Molalla1]

You have a beautiful pond. And it looks like there are good fish in it already.

Some good info already. You need to fish it often, to get more information. My guess is you need to pull out bass between 1.5 lbs and 3 lbs. This will help the whoppers get bigger.

Does the pond have a side with some plants for smaller fish to hide? Some people like to add large minnows/shiners every now and then, for fodder. If they have a place to hide, they can sustain themselves somewhat.

The crappie will compete with the bass. If you want big bass, catch and eat the crappie. They are delicious.

Eddie, your pond has come a long way! Glad to see it.

Kyle, I could not agree with you more . . . crappie is a great pan fish.

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

Kyle, I could not agree with you more . . . crappie is a great pan fish.

There's some worthy advice!