Pond Boss Forums STOCKING A NEW POND Types of fish to choose What next for new pond ?

My new pond is currently being dug it will end up 1/3 of acre in size with a depth of 15 feet.I am located in northern Michigan. What is the next step that I should do? Do I have to get the water tested for pH, hardness ect? I am planning to stock it next spring with trout, I was thinking brook, rainbow and brown how many and how large? Do I need to stock minnows possibly this fall if so how many? Should I put any habitat in it?

How far North in MI are you? If your Summertime water temps might be marginal for trout survival, it may be a good idea to stock forage fish suitable for several stocking scenarios (like FHM) and let them propagate next Summer while you measure temps. If the water stays cool enough for trout, you could stock next fall. If not, you could switch to something else (YP & SMB, for instance).

I am in the upper peninsula (140 miles north of Green Bay, WI) the pond has springs in the bottom with cold water coming in through the gravel bottom. So I believe the temps will be ok. I will measure when it fills up.

If you have spring water seeping into the bottom of the pond then trout should be a viable option for you. You should search the old posts here for information on trout.

You first need to decide if you want to feed them pelleted fish food or not. Fish food will produce more a bigger trout in a small pond. Feeding will easily create upto 5-10 times more trout and larger trout faster.

Cecil is one of our resident trout experts. Research his posts. Trout are relatively inexpensive compared to other sportfish. If you want fast fishing then stock larger trout (8" all the way upto 16").

If you do not plan to feed pelleted food then you first should allow or create some sort of food base before stocking trout; usually this is primarily minnows. The local fish hatchery will present their version of how to do it. Call them, they will provide availability and prices. You should verify their management and stocking advice here before believing them blindly.

My opinon is to avoid structure on the pond bottom in a trout pond. Trout do not need it. It will interfear if you ever want to drain and or seine the pond to periodically remove existing fish and restock. Restocking young trout with old trout present often results if the old trout eating a lot of the smaller newly stocked trout.

I'd be a little worried about seepage problems with a gravel bottom whether there is spring water coming in or not. Could start seeping as soon as the pressure of the weight of the water (hydrologic pressue) gets significant enough. Or you water level will only come up to the height of your water table and stay there.

This site is replete with folks that think they can have trout because they have depth or they have "springs coming in." I guess you'll find out.

The best of luck to you. If you can they grow fast on pellets and can get to good size. Like this one: (just under 12 pounds)