Thanks Guys.
Theo - what spawning substrate do the SMB prefer? I will have to add it if not there now. I have some various size rocks, plants, trees (10" log x 20") and some brush, along with pallets.
Eric - no BG is not an option now that they are in there. They and the RES are in and going. I have not added crawdads - could they go in with the predators in the spring or should they go in sooner?
Bruce - I can take some more temp readings to see what the column is like in the small pond. It is bowl shaped and 9' in the center. I will see what I can come up with.
Would adding golden shiners next spring be a plus? Would a larger stocking of SMB, HGB and YP do a better job of controlling the BG? I was thinking like 50 each 2-4". Maybe more or some larger? Will the stripers help keep down the BG numbers?
Any ideas who is eating the primrose in the small pond - do muskrats or LMB like it?
Keeping up with the BG may be a problem. Thanks to PB magazine I feel I can successfully indentify the gender and could select out more of the females. I assume I will know when I have a problem by "catch samples" as I do not have seinening equipment (or desire to do it if I don't have to). I would rather fish and eat hoping I can tell what is going on by the catch method.
I don't see any for sure BG nests - I see some "lighter mud" areas that could be from a spawn. Should I see more? How will I know for sure if the BG are spawning? It is plenty warm in there.
