Pond Boss Forums MANAGING AN EXISTING POND Evaluating and adjusting fish populations growth evaluation

Greetings All,

This weekend my son and I fished our pond for the first time. The purpose of this trip was to evaluate the growth of the pond's residents. As we do not have the means to weigh our "freinds" to evaluate relative weight, I wanted to ask your collective opinions about how they are doing. The pond, nestled in Missouri's Ozark Foothills, was stocked in late March of 2008 with BG(2"-3"), RE(2"-3") and FHM with LM(2"-3") stocked in Sept. the same year. Presently both the BG and RE are in the five to six inch range and the bass in the six to seven inch range. Although not under a feeding regime, which I am presently considering, they all appear healthy. Are we on track?

Hi Bus. I've leave the opinions to the experts but I just wanted to say congratulations on fishing your pond for the first time!

bus, FWIW I would be happy with those growth rates in an unfed pond.

I agree with Theo. Those are solid growth rates for a newer pond that isn't under a feeding plan. If anything, the bass maybe a little on the slower growth side than the sunfish. The sunfish most likely spawned this spring and the bass growth rates should pick up. Any sign of sunfish spawning? Any FHM still remaining in the pond?

Thanks for replying guys. I had expected to see signs of a BG spawn, however, none were evident. That was one of the reasons we decided to fish the pond. That being said and although I find it odd, most local anglers have been reporting that the spawn has yet to occur even in the smaller ponds? It did seem as if the males were congregated in the spawning areas though. As far as the FHMs go, they are not nearly as abundant as in the past, in fact, they are few and far between.

Well, that is expected with the FHM. The bass will eat them to extinction in short order... Interesting the BG haven't spawned yet in your neck of woods. Did you see any saucer shaped nests?

I too find it odd that people (anglers, bait store owner and marina operator) are claiming the spawn hasn't started and yet I haven't found any beds this year in my pond. My water clarity could be better though and it's a deeper pond.

I can report (based on visual observation) that bluegill have been on beds for at least two weeks in the Ozarks. I suspect you'll start seeing some activity soon.

MoMule,
This is good to hear. As I said earlier, I find it odd that it hadn't started. Perhaps my "freinds" are spawning a little deeper than last year (I had a very limited spawn)and the water clarity hid the presence of their beds? What part of the Ozarks are you from? I am about 30 miles North of Poplar Bluff.

It warms my heart to see all these folk from Misery making such a presense here!