Abilene is as far south as I've ever heard of them as well.

Building a grow out pen is doable. It's the water temps that would concern me at the time the fry would have to be kept in it. Even now, my surface temps are around 60*, and probably wont get much below 55* before they'll start climbing. Last year it got up to 99* before I put aeration in. That cooled the surface off, but it also warmed the bottom as well, and was running strictly at night.

I'd hate to go thru all the effort just to lose them to the heat.

.10 surface acre pond, 10.5 foot deep. SW LA. The epitome of a mutt pond. BG, LMB, GSF, RES, BH, Warmouth, Longear Sunfish, Gambusia,Mud Minnows, Crappie, and now shiners!!...I subscribe!!