Hoping to obtain some help in deciding on how to stock my pond.

Background:

Pond is located about 50 miles south of Eau Claire, WI. It was built last year around November. Approximately 1/2 acre - 12 ft. deep, spring-fed with run-off from nearby ridge. Most banks are clay with sand and steep incline with the exception of where the run-off enters.

We live offsite, about 2 hrs away (SC WI), visit farm every 7 -14 days in summer and fall, with relatives living nearby. Would consider mechancial feeding, but I don't know if that is an option due to distance from home (haven't researched yet). Could install electricity, but would need the electrical company to install socket at nearby pole (not planned - access fee about $300/year).

Have young son and nephews and would like to create a nice family fishing spot for fun and cooking.

Long-term Goal

Looking to create long-term habitat in and around the pond. I would like to start slow and see what happens. I was wondering if I should first just start with FHMs and then add later this year? Not sure what to add, but from what I have read on this forum, a few CC, but not many, HBG?, SMB?. Also, I read a posting that indicated rainbow trout is possible in this area for fall stocking (maybe not this year) with fishing the following spring. We still have lots of snow on the ground so I don't know how the pond will fill this spring. I also just started searching the Internet for sources to purchase fish from.

All suggestions are greatly appreciated!!

Many Thanks!
Jeff

Hi Jeff,

Don't know what you mean by mech feeding. An automatic fish feeder could be set up, and a relative could check on it once a week, or something like that, and that much may not even be needed.

I have never read anywhere on here as to it being bad to start off with FHM. Actually the sooner you add them, the better it is. If you go the SMB route, there are a lot of other forage fish that you will want to get going now so they are abundant before adding the SMB.

Habitat/structure link: http://forums.pondboss.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=92463#Post92463

I feed in my pond, and even tho I live on the property, I don't have to add food or otherwise service the feeder more than once a month.

Fish n chips & esshup,

Thanks for the info on auto fish feeders! I have a lot to learn on feeders/habitat and which type of fish to stock as a longer term goal, but for the short term, I will stock FHM once the snow/ice melts and water warms up, which should be in May.

If not June..........

Be leary of adding CC because if they spawn IMO the SMB would not do a good job of controlling the offspring. Large CC can create a cave 2-3ft deep for spawning along the pond bank. Larger CC become pellet hogs and tend to force other fish to feed at the perimeter. Consider yellow perch (pellet trained are best if you feed) instead of CC. CC can be stocked after 4-5+ years if you decide you really need them. Some SMB may even learn to eat pellets with the HBG & YP.

I don't know if stocking fish from Michigan is legal in Wi., but Dan Laggis has feed trained SMB.
Laggis also has pellet trained perch and HBG.

Thank you Bill!!

I will skip the CC. I am in no rush and would like to start off in the right direction. Your help is very much appreciated I will start out this spring with FHM, research the different auto feeders, add rocks and improve the habitat and see how the pond developes. After reading more, I have learned crayfish are an important food source for SMB - some of my pond banking is sandy/black dirt. I wonder if the crayfish would be a problem with leaking. I am not set on any particular fish type, just want to match the right fish to the pond size and location.

Thanks Again - this forum Rock!!
Jeff

Thanks esshup!! I will give Dan a call

If you put in FHM, get them from a very reliable source. You don't want any "foreigners" along for a ride and messing up your entire stocking plans.

Any suggestions as to where I should purchase from?

Many Thanks!!