Pond Boss Forums MANAGING AN EXISTING POND Corrective stocking Improving LMB genetics.

I dug my 1 ac. pond in 2007 and 2008. Stocked in 2009 with 150 blue gills and 50 redear. In 2010 added 150 LMB and 40 HSB. Fish are doing well. The blue gills are over 10.5 in. The LMB are over 4 pounds and the HSB are over 7 Lb. So for almost 8 years the LMB have been inbreeding.... I am considering adding 8-10" LMB to improve the genetics. What are the thoughts of the great moderators? Thanks for any help.

I suggest a current assessment. The HSB have about a 6 yr lifespan and if none were added after 2010 they are now gone or at max size and nearing final mortality. If you are in balance then it is likely you will need to replace the HSB soon. If you are not going to replace them with advanced size HSB (8-10 inches) over the next 2 years then you will have to adjust. One possibility would be to remove some additional (over and above the amount normally harvested) 10-12 inch LMB and replace them with new LMB genetics. In addition stock advanced size HSB 20 this year and 20 next year. There are many options depending on current status and goals. I am assuming you are trying to maintain what you have.

Thanks for the reply Eric. Yes, you are correct that I want to maintain what I have presently but am open to not restocking HSB and just stocking the LMD and BG. I did not realize that the HSB had a life span of 6 years. Last fall they were very active at feeding time but as you said, they may be almost done. If I were to NOT restock HSB, what would be your restocking suggestion for the LMB, quantity and size? And, what is your opinion about stocking HSB? Are they necessary? The stocking quantity and mix that i started with is what was suggested when I dug the pond and having no prior experience, I went with what was suggested by Jones Fish Hatchery in Ohio.

Thanks.
John

My personal approach , because I like a few HSB, would be to stock about 20 10 inch HSB for the first year then wait and do the same next year. If you want to add LMB genetics then remove 50 more 10-12 LMB this year than you would normally harvest and replace them with 50 10 inch LMB with new genes from a good source in your area. Don't go get Florida LMB but find some from your area with good northern genetics.

Thank you very much for your insight and opinion..... I like your plan....