Now that they bigger pond is stocked for the most part I am wanting to redo our little pond. It has been fished some, but for the most part it has been largely neglected for about 10 years. It is completely overgrown with cattails and needs some serious love. Currently it is stocked with HBG, LMB, and CC. There are also at least 3-5 Flathead catfish in there. I am not sure of the health of these fish at all. I do know that the fishing has deteriorated over the last couple of years. I think starting fresh would be the easiest option, but I am open for suggestions.

I bought some ShoreKlear to nuke the cattails with and plan removing them completely within the next few weeks. The next step will be to drain sometime this summer. I am hoping I can dry it out completely, but if I recall correctly it may have been spring fed which could be problematic for the draining process. I may have to wait until fall and draw it back to where it will completely freeze and kill everything.

Once I am sure it is vacant I want to start restocking. My dad really wants to try and have a crappie pond. I have repeatedly told him the warnings posted on this forum, but the heart wants what the hearts wants.

Here is my plan.

- Stock a few pounds of FHM whenever I am sure the pond is empty and I have some water. I will wait for them to multiply significantly.

The following year stock:
-150 HBG
-20 RES
-20 BC

The pond has no structure at all in it without the cattails. Can HBG keep the BC YOY eaten down if there is no cover? I also thought maybe I could add 2-3 single sex LMB if the HBG aren't doing their job. Any thoughts?





Last edited by Jakeroo; 06/03/14 09:57 AM.