To meet your goal of next year, you might read the article re Tony Stewarts pond in the latest issue of PB. Bring $$$$$$$$$$$.

If a local hatchery has a bunch of 3-5 inch that they don't want to carry over, they might sell them pretty cheaply.

For all of the cautionary reasons listed above, I wouldn't xfer fish. Although stocking is somewhat expensive, it works out to be just about the cheapest part of the whole process. I would do it right. I would also adjust my goals regarding catching LMB the first year. You can't have a decent forage base by then.

It's not about the fish. It's about the pond. Take care of the pond and the fish will be fine. PB subscriber since before it was in color.

Without a sense of urgency, Nothing ever gets done.

Boy, if I say "sic em", you'd better look for something to bite. Sam Shelley Rancher and Farmer Muleshoe Texas 1892-1985 RIP