Originally Posted By: Bocomo
I am contemplating stocking trout for the winter in our old farm pond. It's 2.2 acres and average depth is 4'. The bass population was out of control but is now approaching balance (see link below for details). I have so many questions!

(1)Would I have to supplement with feed if I were to stock trout?

(2)Would unfed trout further depress my forage base?

(3)How many trout should I stock?

(4)Does anyone know a reputable supplier for central Missouri?


(1) You don't "have to", but if you want them to grow to a larger size, yes. If it was my pond, and I wanted them to grow, I would.

(2) They've gotta eat something, right? The big question is whether they will eat enough to affect the forage for the LMB. They might only affect the forage base for the forage fish (BG), or if they are larger (say 1# and up) they might also eat some small fish. The more that you feed them, the less they will eat natural forage in the pond.

(3) How many do you want to catch and eat?

(4) I can't help you there.

If you stock trout small enough for the bass to eat, then you might not catch that many.....

www.hoosierpondpros.com

[Linked Image from lh6.ggpht.com]
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3/4 to 1 1/4 ac pond LMB, SMB, PS, BG, RES, CC, YP, Bardello BG, (RBT & Blue Tilapia - seasonal).