Is there truly a difference if they are kept and fed by the supplier over the winter vs. putting them in your pond now? If not I would wait until spring. Just saying it could be another option.
I have found that HSB that are "carried over" by hatcheries in raceways until spring are stunted and in poor codition.
Find a hatchery that grows them out in ponds and they will be 8 inchers by late fall.
Experience is a great teacher.
