Pond Boss Forums MANAGING AN EXISTING POND Evaluating and adjusting fish populations Why are my fish dying?

KYCF (Are you sure you don't want to change that to Kentucky Fisher of Cats, just for the trademark infringement potential?):

Are the CC that are dying just the ones from the paylake? If so, I suspect that their problem is delayed hooking injuries or transport stress (as you have mentioned).

I am assuming the "yellow-bellied cats" are Bullheads.

4 feet is not very deep. You could be having biomass capacity (since there are more fish than just the ones you've stocked i there) and/or water quality problems.

It sounds like you have a breeding population of some kind(s) of sunfish (plus alleged bullheads). It is doubtful catfish will be able to eliminate them, however they could be useful in providing forage for the cats. Any HBG added will sooner or later disappear into the vast number of brim breeding in bigger numbers. I suggest you try and get a better idea of exactly what you have in the pond wrt species, numbers, and sizes, and then pick a management plan frm that starting point that will lead you to your goals for the pond. (What are your goals?) We can help identify any fish you are unsure of (posting pics will be a huge help there) and giving you some management options.