I am a new owner of a 2 acre pond, maximum depth 14 feet, average depth 6 feet. Four years ago the previous owner stocked 1000 HBG, 300 LMB, 50 CC and 5 GC in the then 2 year old pond. I've fished it heavily for the past 2 months. Total harvest of 2 10 inch LMB, 5 GSF, several turtles and 8 CC, each of which were aprox 27 in and 20 lbs. The CC had been hand fed, and I still feed them occasionally, with as many as 15 to 20 feeding at one time, and all very large. There are tons of very small minnows hugging the shore line.
I'm convinced the hybrid bluegills' offspring are the small GSF, and perhaps the source of most of the minnows. I think the huge catfish have overtaken the pond. I have seen one cause a GSF to jump several feet on shore to escape. I'd like to achieve a balanced BG/LMB pond and unfortunately I have no way to drain the pond except with mechanical means, so that is a last resort. My plan is to eliminate as many of the CC as possible. They already have gotten gunshy though, so this won't be easy. If I am unsuccessful eliminating most of the CC would I be wasting my money to add 10 to 12 inch LMB and some HSB next spring? I'd like them to eliminate the GSF, but there may not be enough prey for them and the CC. Should I bite the bullet and start draining or do you think I can manage my way to a healthy BG/LMB pond?
