It always depends on the goals for the pond. Most any body of water (BOW) can sustain a single species fish population, BUT it may not meet the goals of the managers. Single species populations just as multi-speices have to be MANAGED. Without proper management the population or fish community tends to get out of balance (based on original goals) as suggested in the MI Conservency Information page that stated ""In truth, the bass-bluegill combination is often a disaster after the first four or five years"". Keep in mind the MI conservency author was writing about ponds mostly 1 acre or less not larger bodies of water with "public exposure". For your homework, I would contact him for his advice about your lake's history and special situation. I think he will not recommend a single species fishery. Use that info for your background information.
Numerous fish stocking possibilities exist. However since your BOW has exposure to various types of anglers, don't plan on the fishery to stay single species for very long. Considering your lake's exposure, it is naive to think anglers will not stock their favorite species or casually dump a bait bucket. Even here at PBoss Forum, a few members are convinced that birds will add fish species to BOW. However IMO that is a very rare occurance and I have never experienced bird stocking in numerous single species ponds that I manage.
Decide on the basic and RESONABLE goals for the pond/lake then work toward those goals. That will be hard in your situation based on the number of interests involved. IMO a general usage lake needs a general type of fishery that requires the least amount of maintenance while producing the best chance of a quality fishery which is the one suggested by the MDNR.
Last edited by Bill Cody; 05/21/09 09:26 AM.
