with your main objective being a bass lake, why the channel cats? They will be competition for food and will harrass your bass during spawning. Otherwise all looks good. I'm all for stocking now. The economics and the timing are right for the smaller fish. Waiting will only put you until next spring introducing bass and you will be in the same shoes you are in now, small fish availibility, or pay a premium for the larger fish. If the severity of your winter is still 2 months away then I would stock now if you want bass, and catch those cats!