Pond Boss Forums STOCKING A NEW POND Types of fish to choose Top Predator???

I have a 8 acre pond, average depth 5', deepest 10'. It is located in southeast NE. I am wondering if there is another top predator I can use that will tolerate the water conditions in this area, other than green carp (LMB)?

Forage species would be FH and BG.

What are your goals for the pond ? There are other predators but the plan needs to meet your goals.

I am looking for a change of pace. I am open to any suggestions. I don't have access to electricity at this sight, so I won't be able to install an aeration system.

fishtech, how about common carp, white suckers, bowfin, gar, carpsuckers or just having a stunted bluegill fishery? These would all be a change of pace. My guess is that you want much more than just a "change of pace". Here's some questions that might help you narrow your thinking a bit.

Who will be fishing at your lake?
How often will they be fishing?
Do you plan on eating any of the fish?
Will you be using the lake for other things like swimming or hunting?
What species of fish are in the lake now?
How old is the lake?
What's different about the water quality in your area?
I've never heard the term "green carp" for LMB before. Where did you hear it?

By answering these questions, it might help you focus your thinking some more. There are a huge number of ways that people on this forum are using their lakes for a "change of pace".

These probably live in your area.

Good probing questions, Norm. IIRC, I have seen Bruce Condello use "Green Carp" for LMB.

I think he was trying to sound sophisticated.

HSB do offer quite a change of pace for fishing and seem to coexist with LMB.

I say white bass, rock bass, yellow perch and channel cat. That could be interesting.

fishtech, I forgot the most important question. How much time, effort and money do you plan on spending on your lake on a yearly basis? For everyone with a pond, this is always the most important question.

Adding a few musky would be interesting, they are more warm water tolerant than northern pike.

Chain Pickerel thrive in warm climates and get to about 6 or 7 lbs I think. I also don't think they will overpopulate if you don't have excessive aquatic plants.

Norm, I thought about smallmouth buffalo carp, common carp , yellow bullheads and for fun maybe some gizzard shad for a change of pace.

Fishing the lake will be friends and family.
It will be fished almost every weekend starting in May to Aug., but not too heavey.
We do eat the BC and BG.
There is a little duck hunting.
Species: LMB,BG,BC,CC, & FH.
The lake is 25+ years old.
Water quality is good, it just gets hot in the summer.

Time and effort put into the lake is unlimited, funds on the other hand are.

I won't be placing a feeder on this lake, too close to the road. There is some poaching I know. So, I don't think that I would be able to do HSB.

Shorty, I like the idea of muskie. Would there be any advantages in tiger muskie over regular muskie?

Green Carp is a term we used when electro-fishing.

Fishtech, I think either or would work, tiger muskie won't or shouldn't reproduce but would likely be much more catchable than a pure strain muskie. In a small pond enviroment I don't see muskie having a lot of reproductive success either.

Shorty, do you know what the stocking rate is on tiger muskie and how about a local dealer?

Fishtech, I'm not sure about stocking rates. My Ne aquaculture list is from 2006. Carlson Clear Water (Wayne Ne) Fish Farms has musky listed and Prairie Hill Fish Farms has tiger musky listed. Here is a link to the 2007 list. I got my SMB from Carlson in 2006 and he is a good guy to deal with.

http://www.ngpc.state.ne.us/fishing/pdfs/aqualist.pdf

Thanks for the info Shorty.