Hi there, I'm just getting ready to stock this spring and I'm at a crossroads. The DNR will stock my pond this FALL for around $50. They will stock 700BG,100CC and 300RES per acre and come back the next year and stock 100LMB per acre. These will be fingerlings, and they explained that I should not take fish for 3 years to ensure that they spawn and establish reproduction.
My other obvious choice is to buy fish this spring and stock them. One worry I have is letting the pond sit all summer with no fish to control breeding mosqitoes. I considered just stocking some fatheads but I was told that if I have any fish in it they will no longer stock the pond.
I'd like to know any pros and cons to stocking the smaller fish (besides saving money!).
