Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Anyone herd of gold fish feeders (minnows)

I am trying to get my pond stocked with minnows before my walleye come in Oct. Taking many people's advice I have started to fill it up with fatheads from my bait shop-I think they are starting to think I am nuts buying 5 dozen minnows everytime I stop for milk....anyway...I have been told by some to put goldfish minnows in....Is this healthy for my pond and will the walleyes eat them??
Dave J

Follow up-the reason I am thinking about the goldfish minnows is that I can get 1500 delivered to me whereas I am having a heck of a time getting fatheads in a large amount.
Thanks,
Dave

Remember that a goldfish is a carp, essentially. I'm not sure if that is the same as "goldfish minnows."

I would stick with fatheads and/or shiners.

Some of the goldfish (if that's what they are) will get too big to be eaten by the walleye, and carp/koi do stir up the bottom a little bit.

Perhaps they meant golden shiners rather than "goldfish minnows"?

I can't verify it but I thought I read somewhere in aquaculture literature the goldfish are notorious for bringing in unwanted disease and parasites.

Here's an interesting little read on goldfish and Koi:

http://www.aces.edu/dept/fisheries/aquaculture/docs/5864154-7201fs.pdf

just remember, goldfish are nicer colored carp. do you want carp?

Thank you to all. As much as I want to get this pond going for my dad....I am going to just keep putting fatheads in from the bait shop and hope for the best....After reading what Cecil sent me I am not convinced that goldfish bait is the way to go. Thanks Cecil and to all.
Dave J

Dave,

You said you couldn't find any fathead dealers? You can't be very far from Laggis Fish Farm in Gobles, MI can you?

I know he's offered to sell me some if I needed any and he had outstanding quality fish. I'm hopefully getting 200 smallmouth in August from Dan Laggis.

As far as "goldfish minnows" go, goldfish are a Cyprinidae so technically they are a minnow. As Weissguy mentioned, more than likely they are refering to golden shinners which are much cheaper and easier to come by. When goldfish are added to a pond they are usually picked off quickly and I have never seen them become a problem. In Missouri goldfish are usually reserved for flathead bait and the bigger the better

Goldfish are NOT the same species as common carp... Goldfish are the human genetically selected species from the parental species of Prussian carp. Koi are the same as common carp, just with fancy fins and colors.

Goldfish reach maximum size of about 16" with 10" being large. My experience is goldfish are usually removed in short order when bass or walleye are added... Carp, that is another thing altogether.

Cecil,

You are correct. I am only about 35 minutes from Laggis. That is where I have bought all my fish from. He is a great guy and been a super help. Unfortunately he told me he didnt have any fatheads availabe....that is what has started me on this journey to find some.
Dave J