Pond Boss Forums STOCKING A NEW POND Types of fish to choose Catfish survival

We built a two acre pond last year in Central VA. Stocked various CNBG, Northern BG, FHM, RES, and 200 CC. I saw some of the CC over the weeks after stocking in very shallow water near the spring's inflow (GBH bait), though I did not seen any GBHs for months after construction. I began feeding last summer and again this spring, and it seems that all the fish are doing very well (CNBG are growing at an unbelievable rate). FHM reproducing like crazy, RES growing well, even had a BG spawn last year, as there are lots of 1-2" BG in the pond right now.

However, I haven't seen a single CC since two-three weeks after stocking. The didn't come to the food last year, nor have they come this spring. Yesterday I tried fishing for them with some 2" square pieces of cut BG for two hours, in several different places, without a nibble. Does it make sense that they all died? My experience has always been that CC were the most hardy fish around, so I am a bit perplexed.

Thanks!

CC are hardy, but if they were handled poorly before you purchased them, they could have been destined to die. CC are also very tasty targets for river otters if they visited your pond this winter. I am surprised all would have died. Keep fishing for them.

When your water temps start getting warmer, the CC will become more active.