Pond Boss Forums STOCKING A NEW POND Types of fish to choose New East Texas Pond

Noobe here I built my pond in May of this year it is about 3/8 acre in size kinda obulong. With the rains this pass weekend it filled up to around 6' in the deep area and 3' in the shallow area. Is it too early to stock copper nose bream and catfish. My goal is to rase large CNB for dinner love the flavor of them. Catfish for the grankids to catch. Is it still quite muddy or do i need to wait until it clears.

Welcome to the forum!

I'd throw some Fathead Minnows (FHM) in there asap (a pound or so). The Coppernose will eat them once they get larger, and the FHM will eat mosquito larva in the meantime.

bobby stout, welcome to PondBoss and - congratulations on the rain!

With 100+ temps forecast for the next 7 days, I wouldn't rush the fish stocking. You might want to stock fathead minnows first and delay stocking CNBG and CC when the water cools down.
Fathead minnows (FHM) tolerate muddy water based on my experience, but I would be careful where they come from - don't want any surprise species in the mix.

I don't know how far you are from Van, but Bob Waldrop of Tyler Fish Farm is a trusted supplier. You might want to check with him.
Good luck,
George

thanks for the information I am about 60 miles from Tyler I will go down and get some FHM and wait on the CNBG and CC.

I wish I had found this site before is dug my pond would be a lot of changes made but it what it is.

Bobby, you may want to call Bob before you head that way. I believe his fish shed is closed through October.

Thanks just found that out, you know anything about Flaherty's Fish Farm it is in Emmet Ark about the same distance from where I live I live a mile from Arkansas and 6 miles from La.

Bobby, prior to stocking, get a water test done by TAMU. East Texas has areas(pine tree country) where the alkalinity is low and needs liming and fertilizing to support fish.

Bobby, I don't know about Flaherty's Fish Farm, but I would be patient with the stocking of anything during this hot weather. There is a good reason for Waldrop and Overton to shut down any fish handling activities - too much stress and risk of fish kill.
I have found many Arkansas CNBG are intergrades - stick with Tyler Fish Farm and Overton Fisheries for pure genetics if tha this a concern for you.
http://www.tylerfishfarm.com/location.html

thanks David and Geroge for your advice, I will have my water tested and George i do want the prue CNBG I have read most of your post and will proably make the drive to Bufflo to pick up my start of CNBG

Bobby, you have made a wise choice...Todd will give good advice on managing small ponds. His email auto response says he will
not be available until month end.
PM me after you have spoken with Todd and I will share my experience.
Search my posts - I love small ponds!
George

thanks George will do.

Hey Bobbystout, I bought CNBG,CC,and a few LMB from Todd. You will not be disappointed. Todd's Overton select CNBG are a good as you will find in our area or anywhere for that matter. The quality, genetics,and health are top notch.
Some of the guys may say do not stock CC, but if you do, then be sure they have no place to breed HOLES, TUBES,LOGS with holes etc. If the don't breed you can control size better as well as numbers. Just keep count and restock when you pull some.
The mention of the CC was,you indicated you wanted to focus on CNBG. The CC can(and will) eat CNBG as well as compete for food and space.IMHO
Welcome to PB and as you have already found there is a wealth of info and I too wish I would have found PB before I had ever started my pond. I would have done several things differently, including stocking. Read the archives when you can. Good Luck

thanks very much Todd will be my supplier. I do want CNBG to be my main focus for my pond. do i need to put LMB or will CC take care of the population

Bobby, we need to talk about your stocking plan, after you discuss with Todd.
LMB is a problem with over population in a small pond unless single sex. Todd will likely recommend ONE female LMB with APPROPRIATE numbers of CC.
HSB will a good addition if acidic water is not a problem, which is common in the Piney Woods.

You can grow trophy class 8-10 inch CNBG in 12 months with this type of plan, with lots of fun fishing culling 5-8 inchers...
PM sent....
George