Bill D, the mortality rate is huge. Of all the fish eggs laid, about 1 to 2% ever get large enough to spawn. And, that is in a balanced pond. In the absence or extreme shortage of other forage, lmb fingerlings have even less chance to ever grow to maturity. Even in a "balanced" pond, the biggest predator of small lmb is larger lmb.

If you think about it, it has to be that way. Assume that the average BG lays about 20,000 eggs. And, given the opportunity in warmer climates, they might spawn 4 or 5 times. No pond could handle that biomass.

Last edited by Dave Davidson1; 12/13/14 05:05 AM.
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