Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Water chemistry Ag Lime question

A newly stocked pond is a pretty empty place, fish-wise, compared to a mature pond that has filled with fish of all sizes. Couple the relative few fish with a healthy (albeit still developing) food chain, and I bet you have well-fed fish that are spread out a lot.

FWIW, I'd guess the bass are your best bet for getting a bite this year. And they're probably eating FHM as intended, not bugs. Maybe you would have more luck with a small minnow lure?

I'm not attempting to address water quality, except to note that if the visibility is low, that will also hurt fishing success. I am sure the birds ate some fish, but like you I don't think they wiped them out.