Pond Boss Forums MANAGING AN EXISTING POND Evaluating and adjusting fish populations Is FHM stocking worthwhile?

I was going to stock 2000 FHM this month in my 2 ac. pond to augment the forage base. However, there are a tremendous # of BG fry that have appeared in the last 2 weeks. I didn't think they would spawn this late. Do you think it is unnecessary at this point in the year to stock additional FHM? Cost is not a deciding factor as the FHM are not expensive and I want maximum fish growth.

If cost is not a factor, I would go for it.

If you consider the ratio of a bass needing to eat 10 lbs. of fish to gain one pound of weight, you almost want to question the value of fatheads.

If you've got bass in there already, then most likely 90%+ of the fatheads will get eaten.

If there's no bass in there now, the fatheads may pull of a spawn next spring & summer to create a nice forage base to really amp up bass growth when bass are introduced.

Larger bluegill will also eat fatheads.

You may get more bang for your buck by stocking golden shiners. But if you realize that stocking FHM will just be a quick snack adding some short term forage to your pond and money isn't a factor, stock the FHM. With the established bass you have in the pond I'd say 2000 FHM would last 2-4 weeks at best. Particularly if you have steeply sloped banked with few shallow(less than 6") areas. Depending on your goals though, the golden shiners may be a better way to spend the money...

Sounds like about 7# of FHM. What are the fish that you think will target them? If LMB, I think GSH will be a better match. If BG, YP or RBT, then I think FHM is the route to take. FWIW, I'm putting both FHM and GSH in the pond this Fall.