Originally Posted By: git1fiddle
esshup...
I'm following Missouri Department of Conservation recommendations on stocking which is forage fish (3" BG and Redear, fathead minnows) in fall followed by LMB and CC fingerlings in late spring (May). If I understand the recommendations, the fingerling bass will feed on zooplankton and insects early on giving both minnows and BG ample opportunity to spawn.
My goal is a balanced population for all around recreational/table meat fishing...mostly with a fly rod. I welcome your suggestions...


Fly rod. You'll be a big hit with George1. He's a fly fishing extraordinaire!

I think you will be a little light in your stocking numbers. Typically, it's roughly 1,000 BG/sunfish per acre, 80%/20% BG/RES

I feel that the LMB will start eating any fry that is spawned the first year and not let you reach your forage numbers, resulting in less than optimal growth for the pond. Personally, if it was my pond, I'd stock it heavier with forage, trying to hit the 1,000/ac number. If funds weren't available to do that, and you kept the forage fish numbers the same, then I'd wait 2 years to stock the LMB and CC.

Are there any plans for supplemental feeding the fish?

You are correct in aerating deep for summer and shallow for winter. Deepest hole for summer, 25% depth for winter.

We probably should break this up into 2 different questions now and move them to the appropriate forums to get a broader viewing base. Aeration and creating the food chain. It might get lost in "building a dam"

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3/4 to 1 1/4 ac pond LMB, SMB, PS, BG, RES, CC, YP, Bardello BG, (RBT & Blue Tilapia - seasonal).