Pond Boss Forums STOCKING A NEW POND Raising Forage and Bait Fathead minnow pond

New to the PB site and have been trying to read and learn as much as possible. We have a 5 acre and 1 acre pond that are both going into their 2nd year. We have an existing 1/2 acre mud catcher pond with some reeds in it and it is about 4-5 feet deep. I was wanting to use it for Fatheads but read that it may not be deep enough. We are in central Oklahoma. Any feedback on minimun depths and ideas would help a bunch.

I don't think it's too shallow for FHM. They tolerate low oxygen levels really well, and should breed like flies without any predators.

I don't see a problem with using them at that depth. However, like any other heavy breeder, you will need to occasionally remove some.

Marlcat,

We have a ¼ acre pond dedicated to fathead minnow propagation only. The pond is 5 ft. deep max.
We raise several gallons of fatheads each year that we then transfer to other ponds via small baited traps. Fish pellets seem to work very well as bait.
This system works great for us.
Ed

Thanks for the feedback. What do your baited traps look like or where can I purchase one.

Wal-Mart has an excellent little minnow trap for 7 bucks.

I buy my minnow traps at “Sportsmans Warehouse” for $9. They are even dipped in a black plastic material to cover the fine steel mesh. To be honest with you ------- I don’t know how they can sell them that cheap??
I place a small amount of fish pellets into a 1 X 2 inch very fine plastic canvas container my wife makes. Use bread ties to fasten to inside of trap and your’ in business.

I sometimes put pellets in a mesh paint strainer or just toss them into the trap. Some of them float out but I still catch bluegills.

I find that dried dog food works great, just drop it thru the end holes.