Pond Boss Forums MANAGING AN EXISTING POND Evaluating and adjusting fish populations Evaluating Fathead stocking

I did some research and stocked some fathead minnows in 2 of my ponds this spring. The pond is located just west of Fort Worth. The ponds are about 2-3 acres in size and I put the recommended amount in each. The water temps were still in the high 50s and I was trying to get the FH in before spawn. As we know in this area it stayed colder a little longer than normal. Each pond has ample cover and I even put pallets in for the FHs.

At this point, I have not seen a single FH from this stocking and wonder if maybe they were all eaten. One pond is clear and other has remained stained so I can't expect to see much there. My question is - should I see some FH swimming near the bank?

If they are new ponds and you try presenting fish feed, you may see FHM show up to eat. If there is plenty for them to eat in the pond, you might not see any live FHM until they spawn and the fry/juveniles become apparent. You might see a few morts along the shoreline; don't worry, spawning mortality can be notable among (male) FHM.

Should have been plenty to eat in the pond. When I go up there I try to trap BG out of my other ponds. It is nothing to dump 100-200 new 2-3inch BG into these ponds

Looking fwd to seeing a couple so that I know they weren't a quick snack!

What fish were in there before you put the fatheads in, and what was the amount of fatheads you put in?

I put a minnow trap in whenever I want to check on the FH. Works every time.

Never been able to catch one with a trap, but my fears were relieved this past weekend when I saw the fatheads coming tot he surface right at dusk in several areas of the pond!