Pond Boss Forums STOCKING A NEW POND Types of fish to choose Smallmouth bass

RAH, I'd grind up the pellets and feed the forage fish to get them to grow as quick as possible, so you could stock the SMB ASAP. That way if another predator is accidentally introduced, it won't have the unlimited forage w/no predation scenario.

Ran into that with GSF in one pond before SMB were stocked. GSF either ate or suppressed the RES/YP YOY hatches for 2 years. Ended up killing the whole pond to start over. Very few GSH & FHM in the pond too.

Well, I thought that I had a good source of golden shiners at a local bait shop, but when I asked for their supplier it was another bait shop (and I could not verify the species). Anyone know of a hatchery that can economically ship golden shiners to central Indiana? I only need enough to get forage going in an acre pond. I added 5 pounds of FHM yesterday. No one within a reasonable driving distance seems to raise them.

Does the pond have anything in it right now other than FHM? If it doesn't, you could consider GSH fry from Andersons...

Andersons ships all sizes of GSH.

I recently saw that Anderson's have a thing going right now that will ship a box of something like 250,000 fry. They claim it is cheaper than buying fewer large ones.

I don't know how well they'd do if stocked in a pond that has an existing fish population, especially if it doesn't have any submerged vegetation in it for protective cover.

Great success rates when stocked in a newly constructed pond without predators and a good bloom.

Nothing but FHM and a couple stonerollers + 1 orange-throated darter. I sent Anderson an email, but I think they only ship larger orders. I don't need many to get them started in a 1 acre pond.

That's what I was thinking too. They did mention habitat. They must think that out of those numbers there must be some who survive for a while. Esshup, I can post a link to that page if you want.

Anyone bought golden shiners from Haley's Fish Farm in Indianapolis or American Pond & Lake Management in Russiaville, Indiana?

If they don't do you right, get Bob to chew on Matt. That's Matts father.

Local bait shop is a good source, that's where I got my brood fish - took the few dozen largest they had. They are easy to identify - you could always buy one, post photo on forum, and we could help verify species prior to stocking.

esshup - So these guys are good source?

If I was closer I'd give them a try.

Thanks - when this snow gets outa here, I will.

RAH,

Are you anywhere near Birdseye, Indiana. I know the owner personally and he's a good egg. He serves on my board of director. He hauls all over the state too.

Lyle Andry of Andry's fish farm. It's on the Internet.

Too far for me to go if I can get them much closer. My issue is that delivery seems too expensive for a few GSH. Shipping may be affordable though. I have a couple email inquiries in. I am 30 miles west of Indy.

""Anyone bought golden shiners from Haley's Fish Farm in Indianapolis or American Pond & Lake Management in Russiaville, Indiana?""

I would at least give them a call to see if they have GSH. If they do, then stock them before the water gets to 65F since they haul and handle better at less than 65F.

IF you buy from a bait shop and you are not getting more than 40-80 they will be easy to sort this amount using an aquarium net to catch and look at them before adding to the pond. This will insure you don't get any sunfish or other odd fish.

If you get your shiners from a hatchery they always can plastic bag and oxygenate the fish for a 2 to 3 hour drive home. That method has always worked well for me.

I'll probably take a ride up to Russiaville once the weather breaks (snow melts). I brought FHM back from Martinsville in a bag with oxygen and they did great.

You need the phone number of American Pond & Lk Management?

I have the contact info from the Indiana DNR list. I'll call before I drive up. Thanks.

I have a phone number but does anyone have an email for American Pond & Lk Management in Russiaville, Indiana?

I'd call and ask for the email address.

You would think that hatcheries would monitor this site???

Well, American Pond & Lk Management in Russiaville, Indiana does not yet have any GSH. The fellow also had trouble hearing me on the phone which is one reason that I like email.

RAH - Did you get an email address for AP&L Mgmt?