Pond Boss Forums FISH & FISHING Fly Fishing & Other Fish Species Suckers

I have noticed this year that I have a large quantity (at least 20) of large (10-15")suckers (definitely not carp) in my half acre pond. I have seen a few over the years and thought there were relatively few in the pond, but now it is clear that there are more - and based on the water quality, depth and bottom structure of the pond, I expect that they are reproducing. They are eating the feed I put in the pond - but they are quite difficult to catch as the bluegills seem to get to any bait first (except the feed). I have two questions: Will the suckers eventually throw off the balance in the food chain of the pond - and if so, how do I get them out?

Any idea which one? White sucker I assume?

One of the experts will chime in but I wouldn't think they would be able to throw your balance off unless there's just a ton and they have no predators...they're bottom feeders primarily and as far as I know not piscivorous...do you have much in the way of predation?

What I've read shows that they're a decent forage species for several predators...they're certainly shaped in a form that would be fairly easy to swallow!

Are they causing murky/turbid waters? I know that bullheads/CC's etc have been known to do that or at least been accused of such...never heard of a large enough population of suckers that could cause turbidity.

Minnow trap with the right size hole will catch them. I am interested in finding out what a good cure is for this. I have a good friend with a 10 acre pond that has only been stocked with perch. He has been catching suckers in the pond in the minnow traps and putting them into a smaller pond for the great blue heron to eat up. The heron love them.

I am thinking some Walleye is in the future for this 10 are pond.

Cheers Don.

I wonder if a person could use a fish trap and bait it with something the suckers would like but the BG would turn their nose up at.

I'm thinking something like alfalfa pellets or something herbivores would like. A person could get a small bag (they sell it at farm stores for rabbits, etc.) and mix some in with the regular fish food and see if the suckers would get used to it. If they would eat it and like it, then a person could use it as bait in a regular fish trap.

I suspect the BG would hit it then spit it out, soon learning it was something they did not like.

But all this is just speculation. Just an idea. No practical experience.

They're white suckers - and they have had no effect on turbidity. I've only been able to realize how many there are because the pond has been unusually clear - visibility to 12'. I have bass that are 15" and catfish over 5 lbs. - but I'm suspect they will only keep the population from growing - not reduce the number of larger suckers. I guess I can live with them if they don't compete with the other fish to any large extent.