Hi Folks,

I'm not sure whether this or the "Food Chain" category is the right place to post this thread, but I am trying to get a pond (2-3) acres that I am planning right now to run on autopilot as much as possible, and I wanted to see what structures and designs I can incorporate into the BOW that will give forage fish like Mosquitofish, Golden Shiners, Emerald Shiners, and Fathead Minnows refuge and spawning sites so that they can continue to provide abundant forage for the pond's game species: Black Crappie and Smallmouth Bass.

I have heard about sinking shipping pallets for fathead spawning, and also know that most of these minnows like shallow areas with underwater vegetation, so would it make sense to also include a 1/2-acre shallow area and plant it well as a minnow haven? Also, would building rock piles also give them some safety from the crappie and smallmouths?

Thanks!

Fathead minnows will not coexist for more than a season or so with bass. Given sufficient shelter, Gambusia (mosquito fish) seem to do somewhat better, but they are smaller. Bluegill make the best food chain for bass.

I salute you for considering and planning for your forage propagation and survival!

Here's some random thoughts from a non-pro...

IMHO.....

I agree with John F., keeping FHM in a pond full of BCP and SMB is probably mission impossible. I would stock FHM first and let them spawn for awhile anyway just to get your game fish off to a good start when you stock them.

Emerald shiners are not noted for reproducing in ponds although there is a Canadian member that has them in his pond successfully. He has moving water in his pond.

Have you considered SFS or STS? SFS are crevice spawners so you would need to provide appropriate spawning structure. I don't know what STS require.

GSH should work if you get them in and established before the BCP and SMB. They like grass/weeds to broadcast their eggs on for spawning.

I would worry that SMB can't control the BCP recruitment. Maybe consider an open water predator like HSB in addition to the SMB?

One of the favorite forages for SMB is crawfish. Getting them started is way easier with no predators. You would need rock piles, slabs of broken concrete, etc for them. I would go with PSC or other species that does not burrow much that is native to your area.

Good luck!

I'm looking forward to following along as your project progresses!

Bill D.