Pond Boss Forums STOCKING A NEW POND Creating the food chain Where could i get Gizzard shad

Ok awesome now we are getting somewhere. By portable fish hatchery I mean we have an enclosed trailer with a water pump and plumbing that runs into hatchery jars and recirculates. Fry are collected from the spawning adults raised in the jars and put back into the lake. We have about 10 ponds for rearing that need some renovation for optimal use.

Are you dedicating those all to WE and game fish or some for forage fish also?

I'd love to have one or two for forage fish only but I think they all have game fish already. I may be able to have one for just forage im not sure yet. Since this is a food chain forum has anyone done anything to boost plankton and phytoplankton? I have been pondering using a certain FA in small amounts to inoculate shortly after the spawn to make it available to fry and inverts. Im no phycologist but with over 50% protein the FA Spirulina could bolster growth from a bottom up perspective. However, as with all FA it comes with the risk of becoming a nuisance. Does anyone know more? Also has anyone used anything for inoculating the pond for fry? Ive heard of using yeast but im not sure what the results are. Im looking into plant types to put in to make the best habitat for production. Our first walleye spawning shoal went in today and its getting me excited for fish. (not till at least next spring)

don't rely on Spirulina as a good phytoplankton for zooplankton. It is the wrong size plus it is a Cyanobacteria which are not in general the best foods for zooplankton.