Pond Boss Forums STOCKING A NEW POND Types of fish to choose A Few Stocking Questions

Our newly renovated 1/2 acer pond is slowly filling. I'm getting ready to stock fhm and res.

I have been going back and forth on either a typical BG and LMB stocking or my original plan of RES, YP, SMB, HSB pond. I would like some crappie as well, but have read that they need a large body of water so I don't think they will be stocked.

I got tired of bass fishing around 10-12 years ago and started to focus on walleye, big gills and crappie when fishing fresh water. So I'm not excited about LMB other than I also have kids. I'm sure my kids, their friends, and our family would have no problem catching nice sized BG and some nice LMB. I'd also like to have a few fish fry's during the year.

So when it comes to fishing in a smaller pond is there a stocking combo that would give younger kids a summers worth of fishing fun? I'm worried with a smaller pond that the fish will become hook shy quickly do to the lower number of fish in the pond. How much fishing pressure is appropriate?

I do plan on feeding and using aeration to help increase the capacity of the pond.

Congrats on the new pond.

There are some members that have had good success with SMB/RES ponds. I think all of those were in the northern half of the country. You should be able to find them if you check the archives.

I believe YP would also be a viable addition to such a pond.

A few walleye could be a bonus fish, but there is a limit to the total fish mass that could be supported in a 1/2-acre pond.

Thanks for the reply.

Yes, the limit of fish mass is what I've been thinking about. Is there a way to maximize the fishing opportunities within the same fish mass by using different species? With a smaller pond I will be limited on the amount of larger fish. Of those large fish does the species of fish matter when it comes to fishing opportunity and the amount of times they can be caught?

When the pond is ready for fishing in a few years I'm going to have a 9 and 8yo that are going to want to fish daily most likely. So I'm just trying to think ahead to maximize their fun.

Well I guess I was over thinking things. Today it hit me that it doesn't really matter. So I'll go with the FHM, GSH, RES, YP, SMB stocking. I'll leave room for some put and take fish like Trout, HSB, Walleye, etc.for variety and table.

If a time ever comes to change it up, I'll stock some BG and LMB and allow them to establish. From my reading here it's easier to stock the BG and LMB later than it is to get rid of them.

You decided on a good plan with good options later if needed.

What he said!

Thank you. I have read a lot of your posts on the forum and they have been very helpful.

I agree with Bill on your stocking options.