Pond Boss Forums MANAGING AN EXISTING POND Corrective stocking Am I wanting to do too much?

New 3 acres pond stocked with BG and fatheads in March. Aerated and on feed (feeding okay, but just getting them started).

Question, there is a friend that has some really quality BG and I was thinking on introducing half a dozen of his full size (7 to 10”) BG to the mix. Anybody see any problems with this??????????

I can think of 2 reasons to do it:

1. These larger BG’s spawn would add more YOY BG next spring before we stock the LMB.

2. Secondly, these are quality BG and might vary the gene pool early.

I will say I wonder if these larger BG will dent the fatheads or take more BG young than they produce.

The fatheads look to have already spawned once – there are some really, really tiny fatheads which I don’t think I stocked 2 months ago.

Again, anybody see any problems with this?

I doubt 6 adult BG would make any noticeable impact on FH numbers - they might eat a small number of juveniles. Genetic variation is nice to have; if/when the 6 adults spawn, I think the fingerlings you just stocked will be the minority in the gene pool.

I assume bass are going in too. What are your predator stocking plans?

Little Dog :

I assume your pond is over 6 mths. old and as a result contains the normal adult BG food and is not near its carrying capacity. If so then I think adding an another year class of adult BG would be good if you are sure they are BG. You may want to see Bruce Condello's May 6 post on IDing male and female BG , with pictures. Be sure to get both male and female for your pond.

I also assume that the BG added in March were 2-3 inches and will not spawn this spring.

If there is natural BG food for the adults and you are also feeding then a few adult BG should not effect the fatheads. Be sure the fatheads have something to spawn on like pallets or brush.

I once had the same thought you note about the gene pool. I asked a fisheries biologist who was in charge of the state hatcheries . He studied genetics all the time. His response was fish are not like people. If you start with good genes then repeated breeding of the same fish is ok , you don't need to add more of the same type of fish for the genetics. It is more important to have enough for them to eat. How do you know the fish you are adding are better than those you have? I think part of this is true but I know others who disagree. Many fisheries experts are trying to improve genetics and I believe they can. I don't think it could hurt to add a few more known good genes. Good luck --ewest

Thanks and yes, the pond is about 6 months old -- stocked with BG, RE and Fatheads. They are starting to feed.

I'll probably wait about 3 weeks to ensure the first fry have hatched from the FHs. Thanks again!