Pond Boss Forums STOCKING A NEW POND Creating the food chain Threadfin shad reproduction in small ponds

A few hundred or less adult Threadfin shad were stocked 16 months ago with an additional 10,000 stocked 12 months ago in this 3.5 acre pond with a maximum water depth of 12 feet. I am interested in enhancing the reproduction rates this spring and fall. Pond is fertilized and with the exception of late winter die back of the plankton, the visibility of the water is kept at or about 18". Pond was fertilized again this month just prior to receiving 11 inches of rain. Visibility is hanging at or around 22" of green water at this time. So in reading how to improve reproductive rates, it is suggested to use hay bales sections of 6" to be added to the pond for reproduction structure, but by doing so, I see where this might cause problems like over fertilization of the pond water. Am I worrying to much? Any advice on other things I might do to improve reproduction of the threadfin? And how many offspring does one threadfin reproduce?

Thanks
Tracy

Are there predators in the pond. I don't think you will need more . They are open water fish . You can use any thick brush like Xmas trees for them to spawn over and aquatic plants work well as well.

ewest, thank you for the quick response. I was concerned of lack of numbers due to not seeing much dimpling on the surface late evening.

Thanks
Tracy