Pond Boss Forums MANAGING AN EXISTING POND Evaluating and adjusting fish populations Trout, Managing Naturaly Spawning brookies

SmallFry,
First, it's been my observation that in every case where rainbows have been introduced to a self sustaining native brook trout fishery, the brookies disapear within a few years. The exotic rainbows out compete them.

1) Slow to no growth will be evidence of overcrowding. You will eventually end up with all one size (stunted) fish in the pond.

2) I hope Greg or someone chimes in here.
Maybe start a feeding program. Don't harvest the largest fish.

3) Yes. An 8" brook in Sept. of 2003 could have been from the ("previous year") spring of 2002 spawn.

4) Again I hope one of the pro's answer. However give more info. ..
What's the most common size fish caught?
How did you sample the fish population? IE: did you fish all areas of the pond? When? Am, Pm, Cool weather, Hot weather? Give the pros as much info as you can & maybe they can get a feel for your situation & give an educated guess to this question.