Pond Boss Forums MANAGING AN EXISTING POND Evaluating and adjusting fish populations BG populations

In an effort to try and get a count of my BG population, I began feeding last week. Yesterday was the best day yet, however I'm not seeing more than 5 or 6 adult bluegill at each feeding. I'm seeing upwards of a hundred juveniles anywhere from 1-5 inches but the 6in+ BG aren't showing up. Could they be there and just not feeding like the smaller ones? Or is it more likely that I don't have a large population of adults? If so, how would you guys recommend stocking to get a healthy population growing? BTW the pond is roughly 3/4 acre and probably 70+ years old and I'm in the process of renovating it.

I'm betting that you have them. Have you gone several places with the feed to see what happens?

My largest bluegills aren't as surface oriented as my smaller ones. In fact they want it hydrated and slow sinking.

When I tried a Bug Light to attract bluegills and throw bugs onto the water surface I never did have my biggest bluegills come up to feed. Only the smallest bluegills did.

Is this the first year you've fed?

Every season it takes several weeks of feeding before I have BG feeding frenzies. It seems like they have to re-learn about pellets every springtime. I wouldn't worry. They'll learn about free lunches.

Last year noticed about July/August the BG at feeder appeared to be smaller (different BG). This sort of confused me was I dreaming, had LMB nailed originals or had new actually wondered in with larger ones leaving. Is this normal occurrence?

Yesterday I had around 10 8in + BG show up along with the endless little guys. Seems like more are showing up every day. Also yesterday I left my dog in the pen which kept him from muddying up the water and I was able to see a lot better. I'm going to monitor the progress for another week or so and I'll keep everyone posted. And Yes this is the first year I've fed.

BG can be adults at 4 inches. Keep feeding and see if the population size gets better. The bigger fish could be spawning.

Ewest, How can 4 inch bg be adults? I'm not doubting, just want to learn about something i have never heard before.

Many fish species can reach functional adulthood well before they reach max size or even full size. BG can spawn at 3 to 4 inches under certain circumstances. That is the main factor in adulthood in fish. In crowded conditions (stunted small fish - low food vols.) or ponds with lots of open carrying capacity small BG will start spawning.

Those "certain circumstances" involve warm water, sunshine, and a BG of the opposite sex.

How old would these bg be to be considered adults? How old to start spawning "under the right conditions" anyway.

I have seen them spawn at 4 mths old and about 4 inches. Also at 4 inches and about 3 years old.

So, considering where i live, the fact that my res/bg were 1.5 inches when they were put in this jan 7th. In a new pond that so far seems to be doing very well with gam/fhms btw. Could my bg that are 4in or so size be spawning very soon?

Yes, you're BG will be spawning soon. If they are 4" and in a newly stocked pond, they're going to be trying to fill up the the biomass.

I am pleased with your answer, thank you kindly sir!

I agree with CJ. Plus in most parts of Fla they can spawn most of the year due to temps. in the right situation.

Through the weekend I would say that pretty much the same group is showing up.... I'm counting 8-10 big BG and roughly 100-150 small ones....tough to count 'em all so I'm just guessing.