I guess I have BG and HBG in the pond. I do notice little BG growing as well(2-3 inches). But I know for a fact that I have never stocked BG in there before. Will this hurt the HBG population? This has just happened this year cause I have noticed the LMB to put some weight on.
Most experts advocate not to mix the two fish. However, what's done is done. I would strive to maintain an abundance of 8-12" LMB, and keep underwater vegetation to a minimum. I think having lots of smaller, skinny Bass is a BG enthusiast's best bet.
It is generally thought that, in time, due to the native BG's fecundity, that the HBG will gradually disappear. However, this assumes that no new HBG are added. Are you wanting to manage for both LMB and BG? Or are you using the LMB as a management tool for your BG? If your LMB are putting on weight, and you're seeing smaller BG in the shallows, then obviously some reproduction is occuring.
How old is this pond? did you have it built, or was it there when you obtained the property? What is the max depth? You mentioned you had a fishkill in the past?
