Pond Boss Forums MANAGING AN EXISTING POND Feeding Catfish not feeding

I stocked 40 8-10 inch catfish in a 2 acre pond this spring. I got the catfish from soil and water conservation district fish sale. The fish came from a fish farm that seems to have a good reputation. The water was really cold this spring in northern IL and the catfish were sluggish when I released them.

I have been feeding the fish about 5 nights a week since May and only bluegill, carp and bullhead had show up to eat. Is it possible that all the catfish died after stocking? Any ideas on why they are not feeding?

I should mention there were already a few catfish in the pond, but they don't feed either.

Are you feeding them on a consistent time schedule same time of day every day..??

I wouldn't worry too much, my first run at CC was a couple years ago, and they didn't come up for pellets until the next year, but when they did finally start hitting, they chowed down! I stocked 30 this spring, 8-10 inchers, and still have not seen them at the pellets yet, I feed at the same time every day. If I were to guess I think they tend to stay on the bottom until they get some size to them when they finally get brave enough to roll the surface, or if they deplete all other food types that are available near the bottom.

Ok, it is good to hear others in a similar situation. I feed same time every day. Just got back from feeding. No cc, but the others were all there again.

I have a 2 acre with 150 cats (left) that I stocked last fall and they have been slow to warm up to the feed. Here in Texas I was able to feed a small amount all year long, and I haven't started seeing them until like mid May.

I'm feeding aquamax 600 at 6:30 AM/7:50PM right now and I never see them when the feeder goes off. Only when I throw out a little AM LMB pellets do I ever see the cats.

I've caught several by chance while bass/bluegill fishing and some are fat, and some haven't really grown much since being introduced.

Interesting. I just assumed the stockers would be used to feeding and show up right away. I will keep at it. I know the bluegills are enjoying the feed so it is not going to waste.

Update: Last night the CC I stocked in late April finally started hitting the pellets, though still a bit shy.

Water temp has a lot to do with catfish feeding. I'll bet if you check, your water temps are just now getting into the lower 70's.

Well it took awhile but a few of the cats started feeding tonight. The bluegill come from all around when I approach. I must be dedicated because my 3 year old daughter told me to take my time feeding my pets.

I should add that I caught a few last night and they are 13-14 inches and really fat so they are growing.