Thanks for the suggestions. I have quite a few of the other threads and thought about adding another variety of fish to help (for instance shiners or YP). The problem is (as I am sure you know) in the great state of NY the licensing is very strict and my farm fish license is only for FHM, SMB, and LMB. I requested other varieties, but this is what they gave me. The only feeding schedule right now is 5lbs FHM in the spring and fall every year.
I have two different plans I am thinking about implementing.
1) Dig the pond out and make it bigger. In the process of pumping water out and digging, I figure I will loose quite a few SMB. This was one of your suggestions. Although I hope to not go to zero. Then I can stock the FHM in the spring with added cover.
2) Try to add a lot of removable cover in the spring and add FHM. Then through the summer I can get the population up to a reasonable level then remove some of the cover.
It has been interesting that the fish have been in there so long far outliving the original stocked FHM. I guess they find stuff to eat like each other.
This will be an experiment if I can get a FHM population established with SMB already present. I am planning for the spring...
