The first week of July when I had about 2 feet of water I put in 1,000 (1.5"-2") golden shiners (Andersons), 2,000 FHM and 400 gambusias. It was a gamble because I didn't know if it could hold water long enough to hit the fall raining season.
After the big rain in early September this is what I saw...
https://youtu.be/oyjNJC1z9sYhttps://youtu.be/oyjNJC1z9sYLooks like my FHM found a way to spawn in less than ideal conditions. It is also possible that they are from the ponds up stream. I have since seen hundreds if not thousands of them
Also, last week I put in 100 papershell cray fish from upstate NY as well as 100 brooder sized golden shiners from Andersons. I didn't know if any of the original stocking survived. If they did, then this will give me different classes.
Here is stocking plan going forward. Keep in mind it is just under 4 acres and 12-15 feet at max depth.
July of 18:
2,000 FHM
400 gambusia
1,000 2" golden shiners
September of 18:
100 paper shell crayfish
100 4"+ brooder golden shiners
October of 2018:
800 - 2-4" Bluegill
100 - 4-7" Bluegill
200 - 2-4" RES
100- 4-7" RES
10,000 FHM
Fall of 2019:
150-200 LMB
150-200 HSB
Spring of 2021:
Tilapia
The goal is going to be a semi-trophy LMB and HSB. I am not looking to set records, but I do not want a bunch of stunted bass to catch.
I will not be adding catfish, but I know that there are some from upstream that will eventually make it in.
Without bass being stocked for a year, will my plan work to provide enough bluegill, fhm, and golden shiners?
I do plan on setting up a feeder, but I don't want that to be the foundation for my forage/feed of the bass.
Also, I wanted to thank everyone who has been a contributing member of this community. I have spent the last 18 months lurking and learning. Ya'll have been great! I just hope that this thread can help someone else!
Cheers!!!!!!!!