Pond Boss Forums STOCKING A NEW POND Types of fish to choose New 3.5 acre pond in PA

Creating a successful stocking strategy means consideration of fish size availability - it will dictate timing/schedule of the stocking plan. One must time things correctly so you aren't stocking snacks for other fish.

I'm sure you can source local hatcheries for larger SMB. If you can't, you can accelerate the SMB plan and stock with the YP at 3-4". A 3-4" YP won't prey on a 2" SMB effectively if at all - they'll be looking for Grass Shrimp and YOY [young of year] GSH and FHM. Nothing else in the pond will pose a risk to either fish at this time. By Fall, your SMB could be up to 6-8", and YP 6-8". Both are safe from WE and HSB stocking, if you elect to stock those fish.

I echo Scott's sentiments - CC will just add another mouth to feed in terms of pellets and place more pressure on your forage base. I would not recommend CC in this fishery type.

There are many species of suckers - the only beneficial species for your pond would be a lake chubsucker. All other suckers attain a rather large size and don't serve as available forage. I recommend allowing your GSH, young YP and pellets to serve as your primary forage base. If it were MY pond, no CC or Suckers.