Pond Boss Forums STOCKING A NEW POND Types of fish to choose I'd like some stocking ideas

Just a quick reply, others will have a more detailed response - I'm running short of time this a.m.

I'd throw lots of both shiners and FHM in the pond this year, and try like heck to get some grass or emergent plants growing on the pond edges so the shiners will have spawning areas next spring. Get a huge forage base for all those predators!

You wanted response on the following for your pond:
Walleye
Good, put 'n take fishery. No recruitment in ponds, relatively slow growing (compared to bass)
pike
Will eat anything that they can fit in their mouths, and will try to eat larger fish as well. Impossible to control what they eat. Possible reproduction in ponds, depending on habitat.
striped bass(hybrid)
Put 'n take fishery. Will grow quickly if pellet fed.
crappie
Not recommended for ponds. They reproduct unpredictably, and will take extensive management by the pond owner. Can overpopulate quickly. Not a preferred forage fish by predators.
trout
Put 'n take. Will not survive water temps 70� and above. Usually seasonal stocking - stocked in the fall, removed by late spring.
LMB and SMB
Take your pick. Either one or the other. SMB will get overrun by LMB in a pond. You cannot sustain a SMB population with LMB in a pond. You can always switch to a LMB population if you have a SMB population, but not the other way around.
bluegill
Good forage fish for LMB. Maybe too much fecundity for SMB.

If you want SMB, look into RES if they'll survive in your area. I'd also look at YP and/or PSK.

You have LOTS of predators in the list with minimal forage fish. Crayfish will be a plus. Make sure that you find a supplier that will have species that are found locally - non-native are easier to find, but they could turn into invasives or not make it at all.

Gotta run.