Theo, If you can get the larger HSB in Sept rather than Oct then survival will be very good providing the fish are handled properly with minimal stress. September stocking will provide ample body fat to survive winter. Feed the fish up until the water gets down to around 50F.

I think a fall stocking will provide fish that have not been crowded at the fish farm over winter and ultimately the fall stocked fish may be healthier when you get them. If the fish are not harvested in early spring they could arrive when water temps are warmer and not best for stocking HSB. I have stocked larger HSB in fall at 10"-11" that I raised in a cage and had 100% survival. Fish had minimal stress and were put into a pond with 18"-20" LMB.

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