Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations LMB spawn question

I'm trying to figure out if my LMB spawned this year. I had my 1.5 acre pond stocked last spring with 25/25 m/f 4-5" LMB. They are in the 12" range now +/-. I had stocked RES, BG, FHM 1.5 years prior to that.

It was easy to spot the BG and RES nests last year but I can see any of them this year but there are piles of small BG and recent hatches so there must be nests somewhere.

My question is if my bass would, should spawn this year or will it be next year?

I've been hesitant to Fish my LMB until I know they spawned since the initial numbers are small. I've watched a heron take one of the 12" bass already this year. No idea how many have survived but it's probably at least half from what I see walking around.

I am in almost the same boat as you timewise and stocking numbers. I saw my 12 inch lmb on nests this year. Don't know if any fry survived because I have a surplus of cnbg they would have to contend with. But in my opinion, your lmb should have spawned this year. They really only need to be about 10 inch to spawn in the right conditions.

Where would you expect to see small LMB? I see plenty of BG and FHM along the shore over rocks or in grasses. Would any LMB fry hang out there or somewhere else?

Our LMB have spawned and they are now hanging in swarms with mom below them for protection. We have 3 to 4 inchers from last year that are with the groups of other smaller fish. These swarms are large and the fry are but 1/4 in. or smaller.

Look for this


LMB fry in a jar.

Thanks for the pictures! I haven't seen anything small with a defined stripe. The FHM seem to have a stripe but not that pronounced. I can't get near most of the shore the way I have rushes and other plants growing. It really has deterred geese it seems. Looks nice too.

I need to spend more time in the kayak looking.