Pond Boss Forums MANAGING AN EXISTING POND Corrective stocking Shellcrackers in the midwest?

Will Redear Sunfish survive the cold temperatures of the midwest? I am thinking about putting some in my 2 acre 9' deep pond. It gets mighty cold in Nebraska and have been told the redears don't winter very well. I want to add to my Bass forage base and at the same time try to eradicate some of the nasty snails.

Several of our Neb. connection have them or catch them around the area. They should chime in soon. If you decide to get them do so from a cold water area source not from say Ark. growers. Especially for fish near there range limit it is important to get locally adapted fish. Ones that have been there for generations (of fish) so the genetics will have adapted to colder winter temps. I think one of the Neb. guys found a Neb. or Iowa hatchery source.

Here is a good link on your question and the answer. Note the advice on where to get them.

http://www.pondboss.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=5;t=000392#000004

Absolutely they will survive Nebraska winters. Not ALL of them will survive, but enough to establish a fishery, especially if you are willing to stock supplementally. I have them in my ponds and some of them are getting pretty good size.

Agree with ewest in regards to sources. Get them from the midwest.

It may even make a difference if you're in northern or southern Nebraska. Where are you at?