Pond Boss Forums POND CONSTRUCTION Selecting a site LMB in a large trout lake

Hi guys, my family is looking at purchasing a large property in Ontario Canada to be used as a family retreat fishing/hunting land. We are looking at a property with a large cold water 100+ acre trout lake that is around 100' at is deepest. It is a relatively oval lake with clear water. Most of the surrounding public large 10,000 acres Lakes are stocked with Lake trout and rainbows but also contain decent number of LMB.

The family primarily interested in big LMB but potentially having a productive trout fishery as well would be amazing. In an ideal world where permits are not needed, would it be possible to dig out a series of small bays/channels and a wetland area to provide habit for LMB and additional nutrients to the lake?

thanks

Welcome to the forum!

The short answer would be yes, but possibly at the detrimental effect of the trout population of the lake. How many days of the year is the water temperature in the upper 10' of water over 72°F?

Largemouth bass thrive best in warmwater lakes and ponds. I'd seriously think about adding that species in a cold water region. May not be a good idea.

Lots of cool water options to consider with that kind of big water.

Perhaps SMB would be a better option, as they are more a cool water species than LMB.

Welcome to PBF Allheart!

I see you say you are looking at the property. How much do you really know about the lake? For example, what other species are in the lake besides trout, what forage is available to the trout now, is it a good trout lake now, have you fished the lake, etc?

Bill D.

Before we go further - Let's clarify - does the lake currently have LMB in it or not? You mention "Most of the surrounding public large 10,000 acres Lakes are stocked with Lake trout and rainbows but also contain decent number of LMB."

Thus can we assume the lake does not currently have LMB???.

My main concern is I think LMB could easily overpopulate in the trout lake, not have enough food for good growth, and since the water is generally cold less than 70F, LMB would not grow very fast. LMB without good management they could easily damage and upset the trout balance and clean water food chain for the trout. I would never add LMB to the lake. I would consider smallmouth bass or walleye, never LMB. I’ve seen 7 lb (3.1Kg) smallmouth and 9 lb walleye (4kg) in lakes with brook and rainbow trout.

Since trout are adapted to cold water, they would grow faster and bigger than LMB if they have lots of food.

Do you know the names of all the current fish in the lake including the forage fish?. Before you add any fish to the lake, it is ecologically wise to know the names of all current species of fish in the lake even names of the minnows present. You evidently have some money to be able to purchase this large property so investing a little money for a good quality fish survey would be a wise investment. I suspect that at least one small stream enters the lake. This stream would provide a source of fish species that currently live in your lake. Some of those fish could be suckers, redhorse, sunfish, sculpin, darters, and various minnow - shiner species.

What species of trout are present? Brook trout, if not present, would be a good addition to the lake. A fish survey would provide enough information if lake trout would thrive in your lake.

For your trout lake and as forage fish, I would consider adding whitefish, or cisco, and maybe smelt – all adapted to thrive in cold water.

All this assumes that someone has not already added or bucket stocked some walleye, smallmouth or pike which is a very common problem when well meaning naive anglers have access to a water body.

I guess we always want what we DON'T have. I'm sitting here in Georgia wondering why anyone would want LMB over Lake Trout! Lol

no kidding. then bill cody mentions the possibility of 7 lb SMB and 9 lb walleye. sounds like a dream body of water to me.

thanks for the input fellas, lot to think about. I am arranging for a proper survey to be undertaken.

hard to have your cake and eat it.