Pond Boss Forums STOCKING A NEW POND Raising Forage and Bait Transplant Tilapia?

The Nuclear power plant lake in my town is chocked full of tilapia. They have become a nuisance since the water stays around 90 degrees year around and they don't die off. They even have a lake law that if you catch a tilapia you cannot throw it back. My questions are 1) is it legal to catch and transplant tilapia and 2) would it be a good idea to catch these tilapia and transplant to my pond for "moss" management. I'm not saying I am going to do this. It was just a thought and was curious if it was even worth thinking on it further.

I think the experts are going to tell you that only Mozambique Tilapia are legal in Texas ponds. Secondly, you must have a transport letter from a licensed fish hatchery to legally transport live Tilapia.

A resourceful person might talk to the Fisheries Biologist from the power company running the plant and controlling the water and see what they could do for you.

But I would not do it without a letter.

Bud,

Just from what I've read. It might not be a good idea. You don't want to risk transplanting parasites or some other nasty.

I can't say anything about the legalities as I don't know.

what lake is that, Is that the one they stock red drum into?

If it is around Glen Rose, I think those are blue Tilapia, and can live into the mid 40 degree range. That means they could easily overpopulate your pond in our area.

Yes, it is Squaw Creek lake in Glen Rose. Thanks for the info. I did some searching and they are Blue Tilapia. Another catastrophe prevented by the Pond Boss Forums. If you like to eat tilapia though you can come catch them by the hundreds in a cast net. And the good thing is they are pre-cooked in 95 degree water. Ha

looked at the stocking records, looks like they put 4 million walleye on the lake in 1979, guess they didn't take?

I am sure the Walleye survived for a while. Lake is120 feet deep and was clear as tap water until they started the Units up in the early 90s. Was a great scuba lake. As soon as water heated up the water clarity plummeted and all the cold water fish died. Now tilapia and LMB reign supreme.

if it stays that warm they should add some tarpon and snook to the mix ....make things interesting.. :-)

Tarpon would be GREAT!!