Pond Boss Forums STOCKING A NEW POND Types of fish to choose Riddle: What type of fish for a no fish pond?

OK Someone I know has a large pond / small lake (3 or 4 acres) that they would prefer not to have any fish in. It is next to their house and they get their drinking water from it. It is clear and clean. It has not overflowed since they built it and has just recently filled up almost to the top after about six years (not much drainage into it).

The owner is worried that bullhead catfish might get it in somehow and wants to do whatever he can to prevent that. He is worried that they might get it there via eggs off bird, otters (saw two the other night), etc. I know they're not supposed to be able to; but...

At first, I thought maybe redear; but they wouldn't be predators of any except the smallest catfish and they reproduce. Then I thought maybe a combination of redear and smallmouth. Then I thought maybe just straight hybrid striped bass.

So tell me... What type of fish do you stock in a pond in which the owner doesn't want fish?

I know, I know !!!! NONE. This gives us the experimental pond we have been waiting for. Let's just kick back and see if birds truely do stock their own pond ! After all, you can't treat a problem unless you know one exists ! Once he has fish, I'm sure we can suggest bigger fish to eat them or offer a safe solution to rid the pond of fish.

If it is really without fish, then it's what we've been looking for....

How long are we going to wait to see if Nature stocks this pond?.? IMO we could be waiting a long time. I have some ponds near me which have never been stocked with fish. Some are overrun with crayfish, frogs-tadpoles and bugs, but no fish. Some just have a balanced invertebrate community. It depends on proximity of pond to another stream as to crayfish-frog invasion. BE sure to have the owner to inform relatives NO FISH. Relatives and friends are inspired to stock a pond like the fellow was doing in FL this week with a live alligator in his back seat - stocking a friend's pond

As Bill says, he may not have fish but it will not remain lifeless. That is contrary to nature.

I guess I would want to know the basis of his fear to start with.
Then I would try to see if it was justified. If justified, I would try to eliminate the justifications and finally make a plan to deal with the bullheads.
As Eastland says there is a solution, so the worry might be for naught.
Or as Doris Day sang "What will be will be."

He let everyone know that he did not want any fish in it while building. Also, it is close to his house. I'm pretty confident it doesn't have any fish so far (about 6 years old). I'll recommend he doesn't stock any and we'll watch it. Thanks!

While you're watching the pond, watch for mosquitos. You never get them around a pond with fish.

If he really doesnt want anything in his pond he can achieve this easily.All he needs is one male.....
...come on you guys know the answer....think,think.....what is the one fish he needs?
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...1 pirana

Better make that a sterile "FEMALE" pirana. He might want a fish with a attitude LOL.............
Shaun

Update: This morning, he saw a carp about 18" long in the pond. We haven't had any tornadoes or anything like that. We strongly suspect a not so friendly neighbor.

Now seeking recommendations on removal and prevention...

Just out of curiosity, why are fish not wanted in the Pond? If there is only 1 carp and you realy want it gone try making dough balls and puting them on small hooks or bow fishing. Maybee you will get lucky and your friend will enjoy the fishing experienc so much that he will want to stock the pond.

I was thinking it may take me 4-5 years to get a bullhead, but I had to open my big mouth. Yep, we caught a 6" bullhead the other day, after only 2 years. My pond has a levee, and started out dusty and dry, so the bullhead had to have come from above.

I can't hold back anymore. This story is just too juicy.
Blaine has the proof to take the bird-stocking question to another level. I'm gonna start another thread cuz I think it deserves focused recognition. go here