Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Centeral Missouri winter trout catch& release

I am considering a winter trout program for a small pond, 100'X 80' and 8'deep at my back door of my home. I know this is only a cool weather project but I am looking for list of what not to do. Is there a site or a previous post that could help me? I have lots of questions and I don't think I am the first one to do this. The pond 15% is concrete lined and the balance has a geotech fabric and lined with 6-8 inch rip rap. last week I drained the pond and rinsed it down and has been refilled. So pretty much a clean start. However, lots of insects and I did add 2 lbs of fatheads. Is there a "how to" book for this action plan?

Take a look at the new issue of Pond Boss. There is actually an article about building a trout spawning box. It might help.

Robert,

Once temps get cool enough you can't really go wrong as long as you know you'll have to harvest them by spring before the water gets too warm. If your winter is fairly mild you'll be amazed at their growth if you feed them. Even if you get some ice down there I wouldn't worry about it, as from what I know about Missouri it's pretty brief.

They are easy to catch and a blast on a light rod. Have fun!

Edit: Why catch and release? They will have to come out anyway. You will lose some of the fish if you catch and release and IMHO that is a waste of a resource.

Cecil, I'm strongly considering stocking rainbow trout in a N.E. Texas 1/4 acre pond for winter catch and eat fishing, but after a long hot and dry summer, I am concerned about water quality issues.

Can you address this queation. particulaly turbid water?

What kind of turbid water? Algae bloom or clay/silt? Green water does not hurt larger trout (over 6 inches) from my experience, but turbid water from clay/silt can irritate their gills over time, although they can handle it short term as we all know sometimes their natural habitats get that way after heavy rains.

If your water is cool enough there should be plenty of D.O. in the winter. If you're concerned use a little aeration.

Thanks Cecil, if we get enough rain to raise pond level, it will likely be muddy for a short time.

TP&W stocks 100's of urban ponds each winter with rainbow trout, and several I know are mud-holes.
The trout population doesn't last long tho - kids and parents are lined up around the pond banks shoulder to shoulder.

Cecil,
This small of a pond I think I will only be able to sustain 300 fish, I have lots of airation and sump pump circulation. and will be able to feed automatically. What size would you reccomend stocking. My water temp should be cool enought after Oct 15th. I was thinking of stocking 10 inch fish. Will that allow me to harvest 13 to 14 inch fish in late march to early april. Is any part of this accurate?

I also am sure that several of my buddies will help me with a fly only catch and release for the first part of the winter. Then begin an agressive catch and keep program in maybe early March.

I think 300 fish is plenty. Maybe too many. That's a lot of fish to catch out. Personally I would go with fewer fish but bigger fish but it's entirely up to you and your availability and budget.

I think if you had a mild winter down there this year you could get 3 to 4 inches by late March or April. Most of your growth will be early and late. Once water temp drops to 38 F. fish are just maintaining weight.