Go to your local bait shop and get 3 to 5 dozen large FHM and stock them now. Look them over well before stocking and remove anything that might be suspect. Around here it is not unusual to find an occasional stickleback or bullhead mixed in with the FHM at the bait shop. FHM should start reproducing right away. You might be surprised how many FHM you have when you start stocking in October. Keep in mind that no matter how many FHM you stock they won't last long once your bass are stocked, they just are not very smart at avoiding predation. They do help jump start things and take some pressure off your BG once the bass are in.

Your other option is to talk with your local bait shop and see if they will give your their suppliers name so you can arrange a bulk purchase when the supplier is in the area making deliveries. Around here most FHM come from someplace in Minnesota and get delivered every week or two.