Pond Boss Forums MANAGING AN EXISTING POND Evaluating and adjusting fish populations Several questions about existing pond

Opinions as answers:
1. IMO adding SMB would be a waste for two reasons. Additional reading here will verify my comments. SMB do not do well with BG as the main forage unless you are willing to do a lot of extra manual management. Secondly SMB are not very compatible with LMB especially in a smaller pond. SMB even struggle to maintain good numbers in lakes with LMB present. It is a strong competition thing. SMB will not produce a successful spawn in ponds when LMB are present. If you want to maintain the presence of SMB they will have to be periodically restocked as 10" individuals - very hard to find and very expensive. Spend your efforts on managing the current stocking as a quality fishery which will take a concerted effort if you want well balanced quality fish for the long term.

2. BG in OH will spawn as late as end of August due to a few reasons.

3. Bug zappers will work good to provide extra food for panfish and some smaller bass. Be aware that most regular bug zappers ruin (fried) many of the bugs during the killing process. Look into buying a special bug feeding device for fisheries such as the Will O the Wisp. http://www.aquaticcontrol.com/index.php/other-supplies/equipment/will-o-the-wisp.html.