Pond Boss Forums STOCKING A NEW POND Types of fish to choose Fish for a 1/4 pond...

Moses

As happens with ALL of us, our original goals often change as we're presented with new information and accumulate knowledge. I recommend you reassess you goals and whether they've changed based on the feedback provided by the forum. We can get you wherever you want to go, as we've all been there collectively.

If you want a super low maintenance fishery, designed primarily for harvest, and don't intend on feeding you should go the route of BG, CC, LMB [possibly RES to vary fishery and help control parasite chain]. You should try to limit structure to allow your LMB and CC to manage your BG population as in Northern ponds this is often an issue. YP will likely have to be supplementally stocked if you have a predator heavy fishery. If you are only stocking 10 LMB and 20 CC, YP might make it on their own. Fewer fish species present means more simple fishery management strategy - fewer variables.

Now, if your goals are changing and you are considering a more active management approach you are opening up an entirely new set of fishery options. SMB/YP/RES/HBG? Would be a fun fishery. Throw in 10 HSB for angling opportunity - sure! Now structure becomes more important, as does forage base species selection and establishment - totally different set of variables to consider.

Bottom line you need to think about what you want to do, and don't feel bad if your goals are changing - it's natural and we've all been there...it's the sting of the pond/fishery management addiction! You're in good company.

Think this over, let us know. We'll get you there and enjoy the journey with you.