5.0 acre lake in year 3. Good YP population 9-12 inches... A few trout 12-18 "
Several WE 11-12" a few HB 8-10" ... And a Ton of GSF!
I was wondering what predator species could be placed in to help keep them at bay?
Currently trapping some, but not effective enough.
.. Is there a place to purchase larger WE , or single sex LMB?.. Crappie?
The cold water fish are deep, and the GSF have no real predator in the summer because they're all shallow. The lake is spring fed, and is 22-24' deep in biggest hole. Average depth is 8-15' with a 2 acre shallow bay 2-5' deep. We have 5 aerator-Dif/ dual compressor system running 24/7.
I'd like any suggestions? We are Located near Lansing Michigan.

I am no expert, but have you considered SMB?

I was told they would not
Predate on the GSF enough to make a
Difference, but I do have a really good
crawfish population.

I hope that you are wrong because I stocked them along with YP in my pond with SMB. At least some here suggested this mix.

Snrub will chime in soon I'm sure. He is the resident GSF expert and VERY helpful. I have them also. You are up north so its a bit different for you from what I understand...not so bad in the south because of LMB pops. I know you can get sexed LMB...dont' know about in your area...but that would probably be a good alternative.

I goofed up the acronym. I though that you were asking about GSH, not GSF. Sorry.

Crappie will not make a 'dent" in numbers of GSF. Walleye will be a weaker predator of GSF than SMB. I have proven this by stocking more than 100 walleye per acre over 4 yrs. I see evidence of SMB controlling GSF on one local pond. SMB at a high density 100/ac will effectively control young GSF after several year. HSB with SMB also help control GSF. Two or three sizes of SMB will result in faster control. You will have to manually thin the larger GSF for several years to reduce their density since the larger GSF currently have a population "head start". The fastest natural control of the GSF will be to use LMB of several sizes which have been proven numerous times to effectively control GSF. LMB will usually prevent recruitment of small YP - I proved this several times in ponds. Larger LMB will also require you to stock larger add-stock trout. For SMB check with Laggis Fish Farm in Gobbles MI. Don't let him talk you into using walleye nor pike - neither will be as good long term for your specific goals fro reducing GSF as SMB or LMB.

LOL. Expert definitely not. Drug into having to learn about them kicking and screaming more like it. GSF are a way of life in my neck of the woods. But Michigan................. way out of my territory. He needs some local advice.

I have mostly just learned to live with them (so far, the complete verdict like will not be in for another five years) and appreciate that they are feisty, tough little fish.

I can't add anything constructive to what Bill Cody said, and I agree with him. I'd try SMB/HSB first and manual catching of the larger GSF. Only consider stocking LMB as a last resort, and ONLY as a last resort.

Thanks Bill!
I actually have bought fish from Laggis. He told me that the Walleye would predate on GSF better than SMB? Because originally that was my plan!
So the right thing to do at this point is to try and find a supplier who can get me SMB, and HSB in the right sizes, and also a number of both species that would do the trick.
I know of 2 other suppliers here in my area, but no idea if they can accommodate me?
I have Laggis, crystal springs, and Stoney creek.
I would consider paying for transportation if it was in an adjacent state.
Regards,
J hooey

I hear you!!! I am not wanting to introduce them (LMB) as I know that they will take over my water... No interest!

J Hooey,
Welcome from another MI forum member! Great to hear that there are folks in the pond business and on PB Forum from all parts of MI. There were several active members from SE and mid MI but I haven't heard from them in over a year.

Sounds like you have one tremendous setup there! I'd love to see pictures of your 5 acre pond. You are very fortunate to have spring fed conditions (probably better water quality, colder water) and deep holes to prevent winter kill.

My puddle is near GR and I'm still in year 3, learning every day. If you do end up getting SMB from Laggis can you let me know? I'm interested in a few myself (a very few!) and I could meet you if GR isn't on your way back home.

I have a relative who lives in Imlay City and there is a fish farm there (google imlay city fish farm) So far the only stocking I did from a fish farm was my perch from Laggis and they are doing well in their 2nd summer in the pond here.

What other fish do you have, how is your forage base doing or are the young BG and GSF your forage? How did the GSF get in the pond in the first place? Do you have crayfish? FHM? Shiners?

It sounds like you need an apex predator but LMB can be a management nightmare unless you can put in single sex LMB.

Perhaps we can work together to find a way to ship HSB to MI. Perhaps a pond boss member can help ship small quantities of fish large enough to escape predation? From what I have learned on the forum, trucks that haul fish across state lines have too many hassles with the MI DNR to make it worthwhile. If your pond has no inflow or outflow that connects to an existing stream or public body of water then as long as we can source them we can have them.

I know about 5 years back a SE MI pond owner drove across to OHIO to pick up some HSB and found they did great in his pond and filled that predator niche just perfectly.

You should consider adding RES or long ears for variety, although stocking in your pond may be difficult now since the GSF will probably swallow fish that are stocked that are of small size.