Pumping the water from the main pond into the forage pond and letting it flow back into the main pond is the best route to take. Don't let it bounce on rocks or the fish will do the same.

In this hot weather, i.e. water temps in the 80°F+ range, any handling of fish other than letting them swim with the outflowing water will kill some, possibly as much as 50% or more depending on how careful you are with handling fish.

There is a reason why the fish hatcheries in Arkansas don't handle fish from late June thru Mid September - they lose too many due to handling stress.

Now, warm water fish, like Tilapia and Catfish are different, but you still have to keep O2 levels up and be mindful of any bud/silt getting into their gills.

If you are going to completely switch species for next year, drain the forage pond dry, and leave it that way for a few months. If water collects in it, even a footprint sized puddle, I would use hydrated lime liberally a few weeks before filling it up and restocking it with the new species.

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3/4 to 1 1/4 ac pond LMB, SMB, PS, BG, RES, CC, YP, Bardello BG, (RBT & Blue Tilapia - seasonal).