Pond Boss Forums STOCKING A NEW POND Types of fish to choose stocking 1/4 acre pond in wisconsin

looking for advise on what type of fish, and how many to stock in my new pond. swimming and fishing pond.

Jeff, what do you want out of your pond? What are your favorite species of fish to catch? Will you be utilizing these fish for the table as well? Basically, what we always ask someone before making suggestions is "What is your goal?". From there, the experts can weigh in. It would be helpful to know the size, depth, water source, feed program, aeration, etc. of the pond as well.

Welcome to the forum Jeff. What to stock depends on what the state will allow you to stock, what your fishing goals are, and to some extent, the size of the pond. If it's a smaller pond, and you don't want to spend time managing fish populations, stock Hybrid Bluegills and if allowed, Hybrid Striped Bass. Put a feeder on the pond and just re-stock with the same amount of fish removed every year or every 2 years. With a 1/4 acre pond, a LMB/BG pond will take some managing a few years down the road.

At the very least, I'd get Fathead Minnows (FHM) and possibly Golden Shiners (GSH)in there asap. No matter what fish you will eventually stock, they all will benefit from a good forage fish base.

the pond is 80x120. 3ft in the shallow end, 10ft in the deep. the pond is lined, and is filled from a well. will be used primarilly for swimming, and some fishing. 2 aerators. one shallow, and one deep.

I took a quick look on the WiDNR website and couldn't see whether HSB were legal or not. I have a phone call in to Joanna Griffin, Statewide Fisheries Database Manager to see whether they are legal or not.

BG are known to peck at swimmers. While no harm is done, some people find it annoying.

How intensive will the fishing pressure be? Will this be for food, sport, a combination? Are you willing to feed the fish also?