Recent discussion has occurred regarding how soon to stock forage fish. Note however, the owner was from southern US - a longer growing season and warmer winter than OH.
From Archives -
http://www.pondboss.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=22;t=000019 Since you are in OH, in our current specific situation with an unfull, turbid late fall pond, I prefer an early spring stocking of minnows-forage and maybe fingerlings - depending on the species. For an earlier built and full pond, my advice would be differnt.
Fish will no doubt live in your pond as it exists today, however, a Spring stocking will allow for: 1. more water in the pond (hopefully full), 2. water to be more clear with chemistries stabilized, and 3. more time to develop a good communities of phytoplankton-zooplankton food base for excellent condition factors for minnows. 4. Also in OH the minnows-shiners from hatcheries in spring usually are more mature (larger) and ready to "go" for the spawn season compared to those you will typically get in the fall. This philosophy is similar to the philosophy of first stocking forage fish to become established then add predators. Both philosophies involve a good or ample food base. They are just dealing on different food chain levels.
