Pond Boss Forums STOCKING A NEW POND Types of fish to choose new 1 3/4 acre pond

I have just recently completed construction on a new pond. Prior to the start of it and during I have immensely enjoyed reading and learning from this forum. I would like to create a nice fishery and have been thinking about what fish I would like to or should stock. I have been thinking about lmb, bg or hbg, pumpkinseed, CC, black crappie, FHM, smb, and grass carp.

I guess one of my questions would be, will I have any major problems with the above selection and if so what combination would be most beneficial?

Also, would it be helpful to look to stock FHM in the pond prior to winter? We have gotten alot of rain up here in Upstate NY recently and it is filling up rather quickly. There is a deep end that slopes up to a shallow end. The shallow end likely wont fill up before winter but the deep end is holding alot of water so far 6 ft or so the past 2 weeks.

Thanks in advance for any and all advice.

Welcome to the forum!

I'll do a quick cliff notes and you can search for the longer version.

I'd put in the FHM asap.

You'll have to define your goals, and see what the state allows in regards to what fish they allow you to stock. Some states are funny.....

Black Crappie are very hard to manage in a small pond. I'd recommend against stocking them unless you really want to work at managing them.

HBG will grow quicker than BG for the first year or 2, then the BG will overtake them. They (the HBG) won't produce enough offspring to feed LMB if you want to stock LMB.

SMB won't do well in a pond when stocked with LMB. The LMB will be the dominant bass species in the pond and the SMB will dwindle away to nothing. So, if you want SMB, stock them and no LMB. You can always switch over to LMB, but you cannot switch from LMB to SMB without removing all the LMB first.

SMB don't eat enough fish to keep up with BG fecundity.

Pumpkinseed are hard to find in a hatchery. They don't get as big as BG. Not many people stock them because they are hard to find. They play a role like RES do in a pond.

I'm having a hard time catching CC in my pond. This Spring I had over slightly 100 in my pond. I've caught <20 this year. They usually won't spawn in a pond unless they have the proper spawning habitat.

Unless you have a weed problem AND the weeds are something that Grass Carp like to eat, you shouldn't need them.

Hello Rub Line, thanks for joining up and posting.

Thanks and thanks Esshup for the response. So from your cliff notes it would seem that a pond with a FHM, BG, and LMB would make up the basic foundation. Are there other species that I may be able to introduce as well?

Depending on how far north you are and what the state allows, I'd put some RES or PS in there, and do some reading on HSB and GSH. I like GSH in a pond with LMB, a little forage diversity never hurt.

If you really want some crappie, there is a hybrid crappie that won't cause the headaches that the Black Crappie does (Magnolia Crappie). Rex (Rainman on here) knows where to get them.

You could also toss some trout in the pond for the winter. Stock when water temps are 60�-65� and plan on fishing them out in the Spring/summer when the temps hit that mark again.

The FHM won't stay in the pond once you introduce the predators, they are too slow to avoid predation for a long time.

Welcome to the forum rub line.

Esshup suggested that you take a look at HSB. Check your state laws, but if they are an option I would recommend them highly. They grow fast and are excellent fighters. I have had some in my 2 acres for about 14 months. Largest caught was over 16" and they started at 6" - 8".

rub line welcome to the forum, esshup has covered alot of info and you should take your time deciding what goals you want for your pond.
With your pond just filling this late in the season you might want to wait untill spring to stock. Usually it's best to put in your forage fish the first year and let them multiply and then stock your predators in the second year.
FHM and GSH adults would be a good start next spring and also look into adding some cover for them.
FCM mentioned HSB and as far as I know they are legal in NY, but I have been unable to find a supplier here in upstate.
Another consideration is whether you want to feed the fish or just rely on the natural forage.

There's tons of info in this forum, take your time and good luck.

Thanks FCM and Adirondac pond. I have been working on cover and will
continue to do so during the winter.

I have noticed many people talking about feeding the fish in there ponds. Is it mainly done to help advance the rate at which the fish grow or do they need it to help them survive? How long does one need to pellet feed the fish for?

My pond is located on some property that I own and back off the road a bit. The reality is that I most likely wouldn't be able to get out there on a daily basis to do this.

I pick up on most of them but could you please tell what fish HSB refers too? Thanks!

rub line:

If a pond is properly managed, it will have an abundance of forage for the fish, and no supplemental feeding will be necessary.

But, some of the pond owners like to manage their ponds, tweaking things here and there. Feeding the fish will get them to grow larger quicker, and it's fun to keep an eye on your fish. Is it required? No. Is it fun? I'd say yes.

If you have time, take a look in the archives forum. There is a lot of information there. For instance, take a look at this thread: http://www.pondboss.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=92442#Post92442

what does GSH stand for if I may ask ? Sorry I can't do well with these names.

GSH = Golden Shiners. Someone on a PC (using mt Blackberry to post this) could link you to the list of abbreviations most used on this forum.

KG4KBU, here is the link to fish acronyms.
http://www.pondboss.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=92442#Post92442

I goofed, esshup already posted the link.