Pond Boss Forums STOCKING A NEW POND Types of fish to choose Starting over....

First off.....After a major fish kill this year and prolific algae bloom, I really valued this months issue of Pond Boss as it hit home on two major topics for me.

Next weekend, my wife and I are going to try to get an idea of what is left in our pond -- sein net over a large area.

The thought that I've lost most of my blue-gill and bass has me re-thinking stocking......

If I am truly starting over, I would shift to a non-nibbling species (my kids hate my blue-gills because they bite).

Unfortunately RES are not allowed in Wisconsin. I am considering going to perch and LMB.

My BG did very well. Put them in as 2-3" fingerlings and in 2 seasons, they were 6-9 inches and usually much fatter than healthy weight (reference charts from old issues of pond boss )

Suggestions on stocking????

I will update with my thoughts on my population....

Talk to Keystone Hatchery about Pumpkinseeds. They'll take the place of RES in a pond. (They will eat snails too.)

Brief research suggests not stocking pumpkinseeds alone.....suggested they be mixed w bluegill.

Thinking about yellow perch...do they peck?

Can you post a link to where that was said? If a swimming pond, the Pumpkinseeds will eat snails (if in the BOW) which can be a vector for swimmers itch. Your only 2 choices that I know of to eat the snails are RES and Pumpkinseeds.

YP won't peck either.

Ok....misread.....stocking pumpkin seed w bluegill will force pumpkinseeds to eat snails

Thanks for the question. ..see above.

I am guessing pumkinseeds can be feed trained

I would think bass would need BG since BG are the staple of a LMB diet. Not sure perch would serve as good forage for bass.