I am located just a few miles from Mt Vernon. Rainman, my pond is currently about 1 acre and 16 feet deep in the deepest spot, but it will ultimely be 4.5 acres and 28 feet in the deepest spot. Tyke, have you purchased any of these from the guy from Mt. Vernon? Are they good?
Tyke may have a unique situation in his pond (possibly spring fed), but it would be a real long shot if any CNBG survive our winters. I have my doubts if the fish are actually CNBG though as they die out every few years in even warmer climates in Arkansas...regardless, growth will be far less than it would or could be for CNBG ( similar or less growth potential of northern BG) in Missouri ponds, so I personally see no benefit, only potential loss by stocking them.
I would suggest stocking 500 regular Bluegill and 250 Redear Sunfish per acre and 50 LMB per acre for your best southern Missouri pond balance. Adding 10-15 pounds of Fathead minnows per acre and 10 pounds of Golden Shiners per acre would help your fish grow both short and long term also. If you want Channel cats also, I would not stock over 25-50 per acre if you plan to catch them after a couple years. If you don't like cat fishing, 10 catfish total would help maintain water quality by scavenging.
