I'm in the Ohio river watershed. Rusty crayfish make up about 50% of the native species around my area. The only other variety I know I have is Papershell, or at least I think that is what they are called. That may not be the real name. I know a guy in the DNR and was told that Rusty crayfish can at times displace other populations of crawdads but other than that they are just a crawdad. I had no idea they would consume weeds. I think I better lay off the crawdads for awhile. He did give me a guide that shows most of the local fish found in creeks in my area. It has photos of the different species from minnow stage to adult. It has been a big help. I haven't transferred any fish from the creek yet. I've seined some samples just to know what species were present. I'll take some photos next time out. My plan is to wait until next spring when I start stocking the bass. I don't want anything to compete with the bluegill I've already stocked.

The articles will be a huge help. I'm definitely going to subscribe. This forum has been invaluable. I've found more info here than the rest of the internet combined. I'm learning that fishing knowledge is not the same as fish management knowledge. I'm trying to do everything right. I should have done a bit more research.

Any thought on weed types? Should I try and establish plants or let nature take it's course? I've planted Cypress and white pine all around the pond but nothing in it yet.

One last question (for now). I was hoping to stock 60/40 LMB/SMB. SMB don't seem to do very well in most ponds I've seen. Is there steps I can take to make this otherwise? I know they won't spawn successfully in a pond but I would still like some if I can keep them fat and happy. I won't try it otherwise. In most ponds I've seen them in, they tend to be long & skinny while the LMB are fat & healthy.

A big thanks to everyone's input. I really appreciate you guys taking the time to reply.