Pond Boss Forums STOCKING A NEW POND Raising Forage and Bait FHM Pond

esshup- for spawning media of FHM in small ponds let your imagination be your guide. Rock rip-rap works well for multi-depth spawn sites; plus it acts as wave erosion control at the water line. I've seen boards stapled to a rope with the ends tethered to shore. Cedar shakes pounded at an angle into the bank can work providing the waetr level is fairly constant. FHM will use about any flat surface that they can get under. I've seen them spawn under swim float markers for beach areas. FHM are territorial thus large flat areas that are not compartmentalized are not efficient use of substrate due to the male defending a relatively large space if it is present.

FHM fry with ample food & space spawned in early season can be mature and spawn at end of season especially in more southern waters; although IMO this is not a common occurrence due to crowding. FHM can be raised polyculture with crayfish. Choose crayfish breeder species that are not burrowers so they do not perforate the pond walls. High density of crayfish can create turbid water reducing plankton development. Lots of crayfish will keep the pond algae and weed free so it can be easily seined.