Pond Boss Forums STOCKING A NEW POND Types of fish to choose want to stock catfish

Hi All,
Thanks to all of you who have already given me a great deal of valuable information over the last year. I've been reading awhile but haven't had a need to post, partly because most of the questions I have, others have already asked and they've been answered. Here's what I'd like to know. I have an existing pond that has recently filled because of rains. The pond went most of the summer with only about 4 feet of water in its deepest point. The pond is about 400 feet around its oval perimeter. It is used as a stock pond for cattle. I would like to add catfish to it and make it a catfish only pond. If it goes too low or dry, I'll remove any remaining fish. What's the best fish to stock and how many should I put in? I want the fish for catching and frying. I'm not looking for trophy fish of any kind, just a little sport and a little eating pleasure. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks again.

Dusty

Sounds like yours is about the same size as mine. I put in 200 3-5 inch channel cats about 3 1/2 years ago. The first year the pond lost about 90 percent of the water but I had a couple of areas about 3-4 ft deep and they made it fine although I did run the aerator 24/7. The first ones I put in are about 5-8 pounds and then we have also caught smaller ones. I feed them daily. Plan to put another 100 in next spring as we have caught about 150 out of it. Hope that helps some.

Dust,
I think you might have trouble if cattle are walking around in there....Because they use the bathroom and they pollute the water. This is what I was allways told. Thats why you have to have a close observation of the water shed, to make sure that there is nothing to pollute the water shed...

Yes you would need to feed these fish on a daily basis...

while big pond is correct, catfish is a good choice for your goals. The problem is the cattle maure is uncontrolld you might have too much or it may not be a problem at all. Many people think otherwise but the fish should be fine to eat even if pond is used by cattle.

Where is your place? I'm in North Central Texas and we had record rainfall.

Thanks guys. This is the information that I needed, and I knew I could count on you guys to give it to me. Here's a couple of follow up questions. How much do I feed these fish? Should I add any kind of minnow population to the mix? The cows do use the water, but they don't hang around it all that much. I haven't really noticed them walking in the pond either, and I watched them all summer. Also, can I put those fish in now, or should I wait till spring? If we have a severe winter, I'm sure the pond could be frozen at some time.

Dave, I'm just north of you in WF. We've had quite a bit of rain here, but we're still way below our rain levels, and our lake levels are only about 55%. For some reason, from the last rain we received, this pond filled. It's not going to stay full, I'm sure. The pond was not built properly. I know because of all the reading I've done on here. The pond is built in extremely sandy soil. There is no clay dam. This pond is basically a hole in the ground designed to collect a little water for cattle. It kept water through most of the drought that we've experienced, but my neighbor said it does go dry. Well, after what I saw last summer, it kept about 1/4 full even under severe conditions, though our temperatures weren't quite as hot as they can be. So I figure, catfish can live in mud, they'll be fine.
Thanks again, guys.

You could add other fish just don't expect too much from other sportfish but forage fish will aid in growth. I feed to saitation (until they cannot eat anymore). Do this by feeding what they will eat in 10-15 mins. If still floating your feeding too much. If gone in less time, feed more. Also fine to stock now but they will feed little when temps drop and grow little as well so don't be surprised if they are basically the same size when they start to fed again next spring. They feed better in temps up to mid 80's so they do their growing over the warm season. Have fun!

Fathead minnows are best to go with channel catfish. They are slow enough to get caught and they don't grow big and eat all your feed. If I thought that my pond could go dry I would stock low numbers and feed lots. They can grow from fingerlings to edible size by August when the pond is more likely to go dry.

Thanks Greg and Brian. This is really what I was needing, a nice simple method for putting some fish in a pond, raising them to a decent size to allow some pleasant sport fishing, enough to keep the interest of some kids and to throw a few filets on the grill every once in awhile. I appreciate the information. I'll keep you posted on how things turn out. Now, off to the fishery for a few catfish and minnows and fish food.
Dusty