Pond Boss Forums STOCKING A NEW POND Types of fish to choose new pond stocking

Ok so a little starting info...I have a brand new, 2 acre pond with an average depth of 10-14 ft. It has 2 feeders. I've done some research and am wondering if my stocking numbers and timing are right. Right now my pond is half full & the fishery said I can go ahead and stock. My pond is a little muddy...should that be a concern?

In 2 weeks, I'm planning to put 1500 CBG, 500 RES, 2000 FHM, some TFS, & 50 catfish. Then, next May, adding 200 LMB. Does this time frame sound right, or am I giving my bait fish too much time to over populate?

I appreciate any information...I've never owned a pond before and I'm wanting to make sure I do it right.

It sounds about right on the forage but assumes that you will get more rain and fill up.

The timing gives me a problem. If it is muddy, you might not have a planktonic base yet. That is the basis of the food chain that the TFS and FHM's need. They will probably stay alive but would not flourish.

The other problem involves stocking in hot water. Fish can stress quickly if not properly acclimated.

What are your goals on bass? Big bass, medium bass, etc?

I doubt that the baitfish(forage) will get a chance to overpopulate in the presence of bass. A bigger problem is the bass spawning and over eating the forage. I might cut the bass number in half. After a couple of years, start eliminating any bass under 13 or 14 inches. Catch and release plus too small to keep bass can ruin a pond.

+1 on everything in Dave's post, especially LMB stocking qty - I'd go 50/acre.

Might also consider waiting on stocking the CC along with the LMB - you then allow your forage base to flourish without the presence of any predators - although 50 CC probably wouldn't affect the forage base much.

I'm putting albino channel cat just to have something neat to watch feed so I didn't think 50 on 2 acres would hurt much
And one thing I forgot to add was I already limed everything according to the County agents recommendations and I'm going to start fertilizing next week
And thanks I will drop to 100 LMB